Existing Smartphone Prices Rise 15% in 2026 as Memory Costs Drive Hikes [Report]

Retail prices for existing smartphone models have risen about 15% on average so far in 2026, while new models are launching at prices 25% higher than their year-ago variants, according to Counterpoint Research's Global Smartphone Price Increase Tracker. More than 40% of tracked models have seen price hikes this year, a first for the industry, with some nearly doubling in price as OEMs pass higher memory and component costs on to consumers.



Price-sensitive markets are seeing the steepest increases. India leads at 21%, followed by Asia Pacific at 19% and the Middle East & Africa at 18%. Latin America is up 16%, with reduced promotional discounts pushing effective prices higher. In markets with a larger premium mix, increases have been more moderate, with China at 10%, Europe at 7%, and the US at 5%. Hikes in those markets have been concentrated largely in new launches rather than existing devices, while postpaid plans in the US help spread higher device costs across monthly payments.


"Memory has become a key driver of smartphone BoM costs, resetting pricing across the industry and leaving OEMs with limited room to absorb higher costs," research director Tarun Pathak said. Average increases of 16% to 21% in price-sensitive markets are making devices less affordable, prompting consumers to delay upgrades, time purchases around major sales events, or turn to the pre-owned market. Financing and trade-in offers are helping soften higher prices in markets with a greater share of premium devices.

OEMs are also adjusting specifications to manage costs, including lower storage capacities, reduced camera configurations, and the reintroduction of 4G models in select price segments. Carriers and retailers are using financing, trade-in programs, and installment plans to make higher prices more manageable.

Counterpoint says Apple continues to hold iPhone prices steady despite memory prices rising fourfold since Q4 2025, the iPhone accounting for more than half of the company's total revenue, and ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.

Senior analyst Karn Chauhan expects prices for new smartphones to keep rising over the coming quarters, including for the upcoming iPhone 18 series. Memory shortages and elevated component costs are expected to persist in the near term, putting pressure on manufacturers' margins. OEMs are likely to prioritize high-end models to protect profitability while adjusting specifications and product lineups to limit price increases in more price-sensitive markets.