Samsung forecast to overtake Apple in global smartphone shipments in 2026: report

Samsung Electronics Co. is set to reclaim the lead in the global smartphone market, surpassing U.S. competitor Apple Inc., according to a recent industry report. The report, released by Counterpoint Research, projects Samsung's smartphone shipments to increase by approximately 0.8 percent compared to the previous year. In contrast, Apple's shipments are anticipated to decline by 2.1 percent in 2026.

Samsung's projected growth can be attributed to several factors, including its extensive product portfolio, geographical diversification of its business operations, the ability to source components internally, and a robust carrier and distribution network. These elements have bolstered Samsung's competitiveness, especially as the industry grapples with supply chain uncertainties.

On the flip side, Apple faces potential challenges that could impact its shipment figures. These include possible price increases for the upcoming iPhone 18 series, adjustments to the launch schedules for various models, and the scheduled debut of Apple's first foldable smartphone in the third quarter of the year. However, analysts believe that the initial shipment of this foldable iPhone is expected to be relatively modest, potentially only a few million units.

This limited scale makes it unlikely that the introduction of Apple's foldable smartphone will substantially alter the overall shipment trends for the year 2026.