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Samsung to surpass Apple in global smartphone shipments by 2026: report

Created at 24 Aug · 5:41 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Samsung Electronics is projected to reclaim the top position in the global smartphone market in 2026, overtaking Apple, according to a Counterpoint Research report. Samsung's shipments are expected to increase slightly, while Apple's are forecast to decline.

Key Numbers

0.8 percentSamsung shipment growth forecast
2.1 percentApple shipment decline forecast
2026Year Samsung is forecast to overtake Apple
iPhone 18Upcoming Apple phone series

Who's Involved

Samsung Electronics Co.
Forecast to reclaim top spot in global smartphone market
Apple Inc.
U.S. rival expected to be overtaken in smartphone shipments
Counterpoint Research
Industry research firm providing the forecast
Samsung to surpass Apple in global smartphone shipments by 2026: report

↳ Why This Matters

The shift in market leadership between Samsung and Apple in the highly competitive smartphone sector reflects evolving consumer demand, supply chain resilience, and product innovation strategies, impacting global technology market dynamics.

Key facts

  • Samsung Electronics is projected to overtake Apple in global smartphone shipments by 2026.
  • Samsung's shipments are expected to increase by 0.8% year-on-year.
  • Apple's shipments are forecast to decrease by 2.1% in the same period.
  • Samsung's market strength is attributed to its diverse product range and supply chain capabilities.
  • Apple may face price increases for its upcoming iPhone 18 series.

    • Samsung Electronics Co. is forecast to reclaim the top spot in the global smartphone market in 2026, overtaking U.S. rival Apple Inc., according to a report by Counterpoint Research. Samsung's smartphone shipments are expected to rise approximately 0.8 percent year-on-year, while Apple's shipments are projected to decline by 2.1 percent.

    The report attributes Samsung's anticipated strong performance to its extensive product portfolio, geographically diverse business operations, in-house component sourcing capabilities, and well-established carrier and distribution networks. These factors have reportedly enhanced its competitiveness amidst ongoing supply chain uncertainties.

    In contrast, Apple is reportedly facing potential price increases for its upcoming iPhone 18 series and possible adjustments to its product launch schedules. Furthermore, Apple's anticipated launch of its first foldable iPhone in the third quarter of 2026, with initial shipments projected to be in the millions, is unlikely to significantly alter the overall shipment trends for the year, the findings indicated.

    Frequently asked questions

    Samsung Electronics is forecast to lead the global smartphone market in 2026, surpassing Apple.

    Samsung's shipments are expected to rise by 0.8%, while Apple's are forecast to decline by 2.1%.

    Samsung's broad product portfolio, diversified business, in-house component sourcing, and robust distribution networks are cited as key strengths.

    Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone in the third quarter of 2026.

    What Happens Next

    01Monitor Samsung's and Apple's quarterly shipment reports.
    02Observe Apple's launch schedule and pricing for the iPhone 18 series.
    03Track the market reception and shipment volume of Apple's first foldable iPhone.

    How It Developed

    Samsung Electronics is forecast to reclaim the top spot in the global smartphone market in 2026.
    Samsung's smartphone shipments are expected to rise about 0.8 percent from a year earlier.
    Apple's shipments are expected to decline 2.1 percent this year.
    Samsung's strong performance is attributed to its broad product portfolio, diversified business presence, in-house component sourcing, and robust distribution networks.
    Apple faces potential price hikes for the iPhone 18 series and changes in launch schedules.
    Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected in the third quarter of 2026 with limited initial shipments.

    Sources

    T1
    Samsung forecast to overtake Apple in global smartphone shipments in 2026: reportYonhap News Agency

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