Smartphones will become more expensive in 2026. What influences the increase in phone prices?
2025 turned out to be a surprisingly good year for the smartphone industry, despite the difficult economic situation and consumers limiting their spending. According to the IDC report, which is quoted by Spider's Web, phone sales increased by 1.9%, with the more expensive models from Apple and Samsung doing best. However, experts warn that 2026 may bring price increases and a decline in sales.
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The availability of cheap phones is decreasing
According to experts, difficult times for smartphone manufacturers are mainly due to the shortage of RAM, the development of AI and investments in more expensive technologies. Paradoxically, this will be felt the most by people looking for cheap phones – their offer may shrink significantly. Rising memory prices are to blame
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As shown by data from the report of the International Data Corporation, quoted by the website gsmmmaniak.pl, high-end smartphones, i.e. those costing over $800, sold well. Moreover, both Apple and Samsung recorded the highest year-over-year growth. The cited report indicates that the phones of the two giants together accounted for 39 percent. smartphones sold worldwide. The achieved sales level represents an increase of 37%. compared to 2024
Smartphones will become more expensive in 2026. What influences the increase in phone prices?
There are many indications that in 2026 the smartphone market will have great difficulty maintaining this level of sales. According to the Counterpoint Research report quoted by gsmmaniak.pl, chipset deliveries around the world are expected to decline by approximately 7 percent this year.
Such a result would usually mean a market crisis, but the situation may paradoxically be favorable. To such an extent that the industry's revenues may even grow at a double-digit rate.
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How is this possible? According to experts, manufacturers will earn more on more expensive systems. Manufacturers will limit the offer of the cheapest models and focus on more expensive devices with higher profits. Additionally, the introduction of new technological processes increases costs even further. MediaTek remains the leader of the chipset market, and Qualcomm and Samsung are fighting for further shares.
Companies may try to hide or delay increases by changing device specifications. Cheaper models will have smaller memory capacities, and the most expensive ones may even reach PLN 2,000. hole. (PLN 7,000).
For the average user, this means more expensive smartphones and fewer models to choose from at lower prices. Experts predict that the market may return to balance only in a few years. Until then, you may want to consider purchasing the phone early before prices go up even more.
