According to recent industry research, average built‑in storage in global smartphones is expected to increase in 2026 — even though memory chip prices (especially NAND flash) are climbing sharply.
📈 Increasing Storage Capacity Is Still a Priority
- Analysts project that average storage capacity will grow by about 4.8% year‑on‑year in 2026, despite higher NAND flash costs driven by global chip supply pressures.
- Earlier expectations had suggested smartphone brands might reduce storage to protect profit margins, but trends now show that manufacturers are instead pushing storage upgrades across both flagship and mainstream models.
💡 Why Storage Is Increasing
📍 Discontinuation of low‑capacity models: Some entry‑level phones with smaller storage are being phased out, pushing up the market average.
📍 Demand for AI‑ready devices: On‑device AI features and richer multimedia capabilities require more space, encouraging brands to offer larger storage configurations.
🛠️ But Chip Cost Pressure Isn’t Going Away
Even though storage capacity is set to rise, smartphone makers are facing strong cost challenges due to rising memory prices — which could still affect overall device prices and market growth:
- A major industry analyst firm reports that the global smartphone market could see its biggest sales decline in 2026 because of memory chip shortages and cost surges.
- Rising memory prices are expected to put upward pressure on smartphone costs overall, and manufacturers may need to balance storage upgrades with pricing strategies.
📌 Bottom Line
Even with rising NAND flash and memory chip costs, smartphone brands appear committed to offering larger storage capacities in 2026 — driven by user demand for richer features and the phasing out of low‑storage models.
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