US EditionRising Chip Costs to Push Global Smartphone Shipments Down in 2026, Counterpoint Says
Counterpoint Research predicts a 2% decline in global smartphone shipments in 2026 due to rising memory costs and component shortages impacting low-end markets.
- Next year, Counterpoint Research forecasts global smartphone shipments may decline 2.1 per cent in 2026, sharply revising its outlook downward from prior modest growth.
- In recent months, electronics supply chains have been hit by a shortage of legacy memory chips as semiconductor producers prioritising high-end chips for Nvidia create sudden demand pressure.
- Bill-of-Materials data show costs for phones below $200 rose 20 to 30 per cent this year, while Counterpoint projects average selling prices will increase 6.9pc next year amid visible component downgrades.
- Smaller makers and low-margin Chinese brands such as Honor Device and Oppo are likely to suffer most while OEMs prune portfolios and reduce low-end SKUs; Apple and Samsung are best positioned to weather the next few quarters.
- Counterpoint's Memory Solutions report finds memory prices could rise another 40pc through the second quarter of 2026, prompting OEM mitigation measures including reusing components, streamlining portfolios, and promoting `Pro` variants.
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iPhone will do pretty well in 2026, as RAM prices hammer smartphone industry
Apple's iPhone is positioned to weather a looming smartphone memory price spike better than nearly any rival, even as industry forecasts point to softer sales in 2026.iPhone 17 Pro MaxCounterpoint Research released a report on December 16, lowering its 2026 global smartphone shipment forecast. The report attributes this to significant price hikes in DRAM and NAND flash memory.The revised forecast expects global smartphone shipments to fall about…
Rising chip costs to push global smartphone shipments down in 2026, Counterpoint says
Dec 16 : Global smartphone shipments are expected to decline 2.1 per cent next year as rising chip costs are likely to impact demand, technology-focused market research firm Counterpoint said on Tuesday.Electronics supply chains around the world have been hit by a shortage of legacy memory chips in recent mon
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