The compression of the mobile processor market in Q1 was 8%, but Apple, Samsung and Unisoc strengthened their positions.

Market state of mobile processors – 2026

1. Overall picture
- Rising memory prices lead to a memory shortage and, as a result, a reduction in smartphone supply.

- Counterpoint Research’s first‑quarter report showed an 8 % decline in the volume of processor shipments for mobile devices compared with the previous year.

2. Positions of key players
Company Market share (Q1) Change
MediaTek 38 % → 33 % –5 pp
Qualcomm 27 % → 24 % –3 pp
Apple 15 % → 19 % +4 pp
Samsung 5 % → 7 % +2 pp
Unisoc 10 % → 13 % +3 pp
Others ~5 % → ~6 % +1 pp

- Apple and Samsung strengthened their positions thanks to a focus on the premium segment, vertical integration, and memory production scale.

- Unisoc unexpectedly grew: its chips are used by Chinese brands Redmi and Pocophone, allowing the company to increase its share in 4G/5G smartphones from 10 % to 13 %.

3. Reasons for leaders’ decline
Company Factors
Qualcomm Switching Samsung Galaxy S26 to its own Exynos, weak demand for Xiaomi 17, delay of Dimensity 9500+ announcement
MediaTek Dependence on the entry‑level and mid‑price segments – these were hit hardest by the crisis.

4. Counterpoint Research forecasts
- Q2: further decline in smartphone demand is expected, leading to a double‑digit drop in processor shipments.

- The market will recover only at the beginning of 2028.

- Memory prices could rise another 80–85 %, while the first quarter saw a 50–55 % increase.

- The Iranian crisis and ongoing memory shortage will continue to exert pressure until the second half of 2027.

5. What comes next
1. Smartphone manufacturers are forced to delay new model releases, especially in the premium segment.

2. Processor developers will also suffer: new products will be launched later.

3. Unisoc could become the preferred choice for Chinese brands due to its lower price and proven compatibility.

6. Conclusion
By the end of 2026, volumes of mobile processor shipments are expected to fall by a double‑digit percentage. This is confirmed by Counterpoint Research data, as well as trends in rising memory prices and geopolitical factors affecting supply chains.