Global smartphone system-on-a-chip (SoC) shipments are projected to decline by 7% year-over-year (YoY) in 2026, partially due to increasing memory prices, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. However, it’s good news for Apple.
With one in three smartphones sold in 2026 expected to be a premium model, SoC shipments for the premium segment will increase further, according to Counterpoint. This year the flagship smartphone SoC segment will begin migrating from 3nm to 2nm, with all major chipset vendors expected to adopt 2nm for their flagship launches, adds the research group.
Smartphone SoC revenues are set to grow in double digits in 2026, fueled by premium-tier demand and rising ASPs due to higher semiconductor content per device. Counterpoint says Apple and Qualcomm are well-positioned to benefit from the premiumization trend, while MediaTek is rapidly closing the gap, intensifying competition in the Android ecosystem, with Samsung also gaining traction in the segment.
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