In keeping with an FDM CCS Perception report, world smartphone shipments declined by 7% in Q2, in comparison with Q2 of 2025. They fell 3% compared to Q1 of this yr. General, FDM forecasts a 12% decline in world smartphone shipments in 2026.
Developed markets like Europe and North America declined solely by low single digits, whereas rising markets, whose patrons are extra delicate to cost will increase, noticed bigger declines.
The secondary market, however, is doing properly. Per FDM’s report, second-hand telephone gross sales grew 3% year-over-year and are anticipated to develop near 10% (9%, to be precise) for the whole yr.
It appears patrons are selecting inexpensive refurbished telephones over model new gadgets, and there is a good motive for that. Due to rising reminiscence costs as a consequence of a world scarcity, new smartphones have been 13% costlier in Q2 than in Q1. FDM expects new telephone costs to proceed to climb within the second half of 2026 as properly.
However the second-hand market is not with out its points. Sturdy demand and restricted provide are regularly pushing refurbished telephone costs up as properly. Fewer trade-ins within the US imply fewer gadgets are getting into the secondary market, though sturdy exports from China and Japan are partially offsetting the scarcity.
