Increasing memory chip prices are beginning to alter the dynamics of the global smartphone industry, prompting manufacturers to prioritize premium devices that offer higher profit margins. As a result, demand for entry-level and mid-range smartphones has softened, creating noticeable shifts in the smartphone chipset market during the first quarter of 2026.
According to the latest data from Counterpoint Research, MediaTek retained its position as the world’s largest smartphone chipset supplier, but its market share declined significantly year-over-year. The company accounted for 32% of global smartphone chipset shipments in Q1 2026, down from 38% during the same period in 2025.
The decline is largely attributed to MediaTek’s strong presence in the budget and mid-range smartphone segments, which have been impacted by slower consumer demand amid rising component costs. Analysts also suggest that MediaTek is unlikely to introduce a flagship Dimensity 9500 Plus chipset this year, with smartphone brands expected to continue relying on the existing Dimensity 9500 platform. However, the company continues to benefit from the popularity of its Dimensity 8450 chipset, featured in devices such as the Oppo Reno 15 Pro series.
Qualcomm also experienced a decline in market share during the quarter. One contributing factor was the delayed launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series compared to previous generations. Additionally, some Galaxy S26 variants adopted Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2600 processor instead of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform, reducing Snapdragon shipments. The slowdown in the entry-level and mid-range smartphone market also affected Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 and Snapdragon 6 series chipsets.
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Apple, Samsung and Unisoc Gain Ground
While MediaTek and Qualcomm faced headwinds, Apple, Samsung, and Unisoc recorded year-over-year growth in chipset shipments during Q1 2026.
Apple’s market share rose to 19%, up from 15% a year earlier, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup. Counterpoint noted that the iPhone 17e, powered by the A19 chipset, performed particularly well and contributed significantly to Apple’s growth.
Samsung also expanded its presence in the chipset market through wider adoption of Exynos processors across its smartphone portfolio. In addition to the flagship Exynos 2600, Samsung deployed the Exynos 1680 in the Galaxy A57 and the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A37, helping boost Exynos shipments globally.
Chinese semiconductor company Unisoc posted notable growth as well. The company benefited from strong demand for its T7250 chipset, which powers several 4G smartphones, including selected Redmi models. Its T8300 platform also supported expansion in the 5G smartphone segment.
Meanwhile, Huawei’s HiSilicon maintained a stable position despite a slight decline in shipments. Demand for Huawei’s premium smartphones remained strong, supported by the Kirin 9000 chipset featured in the Huawei Mate 80 series.
Global Smartphone Chipset Market Share – Q1 2026
| Rank | Vendor | Q1 2026 Market Share | Q1 2025 Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MediaTek | 32% | 38% |
| 2 | Qualcomm | 23% | 27% |
| 3 | Apple | 19% | 15% |
| 4 | Unisoc | 14% | 10% |
| 5 | Samsung (Exynos) | 7% | 5% |
| 6 | HiSilicon (Huawei) | 4% | 4% |
| – | Others | 1% | 1% |
The Q1 2026 results highlight a changing market landscape where premium smartphone demand is helping companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Unisoc expand their footprint, while vendors heavily exposed to entry-level and mid-range segments face increasing pressure from rising component costs and shifting consumer spending patterns.
