Apple Tops Global Smartphone Shipments Amid Slump, Boosts iPhone DRAM Pre-Earnings

Apple seized the top spot in global smartphone shipments for the March quarter, growing 6% year-over-year to 21% market share even as the overall market contracted 6%. Initial reports highlighted the $599 iPhone 17e, China demand rebound, and supply-chain resilience, with updates confirming a 50% DRAM increase to 12GB in many iPhone 17 models. However, a higher mix of budget phones lowered average selling price to $910, missing the $948 consensus and risking iPhone revenue. Apple reports earnings on April 30, a major stock catalyst.