Samsung maintains smartphone market share lead in Middle East amid Iran war

Samsung Electronics sustained its lead as the top smartphone supplier in the Middle East during the second quarter of 2026, according to a report by industry tracker Omdia. The conflict in Iran disrupted logistics and supply chains, prompting phone manufacturers to focus on affordability over sales volumes and retailers to adjust inventory strategies cautiously, reported Manish Pravinkumar, principal analyst at Omdia.

Analysts emphasized that short-term volume reductions were necessary to preserve product competitiveness and brand positioning. Despite the challenges, Samsung, the world's largest smartphone manufacturer, maintained a 39% market share, shipping approximately 4.1 million units, up from 34% in the same period last year. However, shipments declined by 7%, from 4.5 million units the previous year.

Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy Z Fold8 series, which would feature in third-quarter data. Honor, the former Huawei subsidiary, held the second position with a 13% market share, representing a 2% annual increase, while Transsion and Xiaomi, owning Tecno, Infinix, Itel, and Xiaomi brands, recorded a 11% share each. Apple maintained an 11% share, with iPhone sales increasing by 1% year-on-year.

Midrange phones, priced between $300 and $800, led in performance, growing 16% annually, as consumers opted for devices with flagship features. Entry-level phone shipments fell by 42% as companies balanced pricing and supply issues. Apple's presence in the UAE and Qatar, with flexible payment options, contributed to higher demand for premium devices.

The market's current situation reflects a balance between necessity and strategic decisions in the Middle East's smartphone landscape, according to Pravinkumar.