Global Smartphone Industry Faces Turbulent Start to 2026: Memory Crunch, AI Push, and Foldable Innovations Dominate Headlines
Jan 22, 2026 - By Zenx News
The international mobile phone and smartphone sector is entering 2026 amid a mix of cautious optimism and mounting challenges. Fresh data from leading analysts like Omdia, Counterpoint Research, and DIGITIMES reveals a market that grew modestly in late 2025 but now confronts headwinds from surging memory component prices, AI-driven demand shifts, and evolving consumer preferences. At the same time, CES 2026 showcased groundbreaking foldable designs and AI-integrated devices, signaling that innovation remains the industry's lifeline despite projected shipment declines.
The global smartphone market closed 2025 on a positive note, with shipments rising 4% year-over-year in Q4, according to Omdia's latest report released on January 14. Apple secured the top sp...