AI-powered smartphones to reach 54% market share by 2028

AI-powered smartphones featuring generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) capabilities are projected to represent more than half of all smartphone shipments by 2028, according to new research from Counterpoint.

Market projections and key players: GenAI smartphones will comprise 54 percent of total shipments by 2028, with an installed base exceeding 1 billion devices.

• Google, Samsung, and Apple are leading the integration of GenAI features into their flagship devices
• Chinese manufacturers like Realme, Oppo, and Vivo have launched GenAI-equipped smartphones through partnerships with Google and Microsoft
• Oppo has already rolled out GenAI features across its product lines, reaching approximately 50 million users

Democratization of AI technology: The widespread adoption of GenAI in smartphones is being driven by increasing affordability and collaborative ecosystems.

• Mid-range smartphones are receiving GenAI capabilities through software updates and hybrid deployments
• Budget devices are expected to offer GenAI features in the future
• Key industry players, including Android brands, chip manufacturers, and AI software developers, are working together to accelerate GenAI integration

5G’s crucial role: The expansion of 5G networks is facilitating broader access to AI capabilities across smartphone segments.

• 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency enable access to cloud-based AI resources
• Global 5G smartphone shipments are expected to exceed 1 billion units by 2026
• 5G devices will represent over 85 percent of overall smartphone shipments by 2028

Implementation and partnerships: Chinese smartphone manufacturers are actively expanding their AI offerings through strategic collaborations.

• Companies are partnering with Google and Meta to implement large language models for global users
• New AI features focus on interactive voice assistants, information gathering, and content generation
• Hybrid deployment models are being used to optimize AI performance across different device segments

Market implications: The convergence of advanced hardware, widespread 5G adoption, and decreasing costs is reshaping the smartphone industry’s approach to AI integration, though questions remain about the practical benefits and user adoption rates of these new features.