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Top 5 Predictions for the Worldwide Smartphone Market: 2026

Publisher IDC
Published Jan 20, 2026
Length 8 Pages
SKU # IDC20787003

Description

This IDC Market Perspective lists five predictions for the worldwide smartphone market in 2026, ranging from foldables and refurbished smartphones to anticipated price increases, the use of AI, and AI smart glasses."Although smartphone shipment volumes are expected to stay mostly flat in 2026, underpinning the market are trends that will affect its continued evolution," said Ramon T. Llamas, research director with IDC's Mobile Phones team. "Generative AI still takes center stage and recent concerns around memory will affect pricing, while Apple's foray into foldables will shine a brighter light on foldables as a whole. Meanwhile, the market for refurbished devices will take another step forward, and AI smart glasses will gain salience as the next wearable to accompany smartphones. The sum total of this: a smartphone market adapting to market realities."

Table of Contents

8 Pages

Executive Snapshot

New Market Developments and Dynamics

How will memory shortages affect the worldwide smartphone market?

Impact in 2026

How will Apple transform the foldables market?

Impact in 2026

Where does GenAI adoption and usage on smartphones go?

Impact in 2026

Refurbished smartphones: An alternative to new smartphones?

Impact in 2026

Are AI glasses going to be the next must-have wearable?

Impact in 2026

Advice for the Technology Supplier

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