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Rising 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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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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Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 25%
C 63%
12%
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