Institution: Global Smartphone Market to Fall 14% in 2026 as Samsung is Expected to Retake No. 1 Position

The global smartphone market is forecast to decline 14.3% year on year in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research's latest research, as higher component costs, reduced availability of lower priced devices and weaker consumer affordability weigh on demand. Market conditions are expected to remain challenging in 2027, with shipments forecast to decline by a further 1.4% before a stronger recovery begins in 2028. The downturn is expected to reshape the competitive landscape, with Samsung forecast to regain the leading global smartphone position in 2026. Samsung smartphone shipments are forecast to grow by approximately 0.8% in 2026, significantly outperforming the wider market's decline while Apple shipments are forecast to decline by approximately 2.1% in 2026, before returning to growth of around 2.8% in 2027.  Huawei shipments are forecast to grow by approximately 8% in 2026 and a further 4.3% in 2027, supported by strong demand in China, improving domestic component capabilities and continued progress with HiSilicon processors.