New research published by Counterpoint Research reveals that the premium smartphone market has reached its highest level in its history in the first half of 2026. Models with a price tag of $ 600 and above, which make up 29 percent of global smartphone sales, increased by four points compared to the same period last year. According to the research, Apple maintained its leadership in this segment by reaching 65 percent market share, while Samsung maintained its second place with a share of 19 percent. Data shows that consumers’ tendency towards upper segment models continues and manufacturers are expanding their sales strategies that support this trend.
According to data shared by Counterpoint Research, Apple’s share in the premium segment increased from 63 percent in the first half of 2025 to 65 percent. Despite this, the company remains behind the 74 percent level it reached in the first half of 2022. While Samsung maintained its share of 19 percent last year, it managed to stay above the 17 percent level recorded in 2022. Other brands operating in the premium segment continued to share a smaller share of the total market.
It is stated that the iPhone 17 series was effective in Apple’s 9 percent annual growth. In particular, the strong sales performance of the standard iPhone 17 model reversed the decline the company experienced last year. Counterpoint states that one of the main reasons for the decline seen in 2025 is the increasing competition in the Chinese market. Despite this, the interest of the new generation iPhone family among users enabled Apple to regain momentum in the upper segment.
Growth in the premium smartphone segment continues
Counterpoint Research Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi states that increasing memory and other component costs in the smartphone industry are starting to determine pricing. According to Rastogi, the rising prices of mid-segment Android phones are gradually reducing the price difference between these devices and especially the previous generation or discounted flagship models. Thus, the transition to upper segment models becomes more accessible for consumers. This situation also contributes to manufacturers increasing the demand for premium products.
In addition, manufacturers are diversifying their financing options in order to enable upper segment devices to reach a wider user base. Installment payment models, trade-in campaigns to replace the old device with a new one, and buyback programs are among the applications that make it easier to purchase premium phones. Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Forever program in more countries is shown as one of the notable examples of this approach. Thanks to the program, users can renew their devices more advantageously under certain conditions.
Counterpoint Research expects the growth in the premium smartphone segment to continue in the coming period. According to the research company, improvements in the supply chain, stability in component supply, continued demand for premium models and the spread of financing solutions are among the main factors supporting this trend. However, the continuing rise in mid-segment device prices may encourage consumers to turn to high-end models that they can use for a long time. The current picture points to the potential for the premium smartphone market to increase its weight in global sales in the coming periods.
Join Channel