Counterpoint Research forecasts the smartphone market to contract by 2.1% in 2026 due to the high cost of memory.

 

Counterpoint Research has released its forecast for the smartphone market in 2026, predicting a 2.1% contraction due to the high cost of memory, which is expected to rise by up to 20% in the second quarter of 2026.

Counterpoint's forecast indicates a decline in sales across all smartphone brands, with Chinese brands like Oppo and Honor being hit hardest, as the increased cost of memory will impact the price of low-end smartphones more than mid-range and high-end models.

Counterpoint's figures show Apple still holding the largest market share in 2026 at 19%, followed by Samsung with a similar share, and Xiaomi in third place at 14%.