Four out of 10 new smartphones will be installed with generative artificial intelligence (AI) features in 2027 as the market for GenAI smartphones grow rapidly, data showed on Tuesday.

According to Counterpoint Technology Market Research, generative AI-enabled smartphones are projected to grow at an annual average of 49 percent, with shipments expected to reach about 550 million units per year by 2027.

Based on the projection, this year’s AI smartphone shipments are expected to be around 165 million units.

GenAI smartphones are projected to account for 43 percent of the overall smartphone shipments in 2027, up from 11 percent in 2024, according to Counterpoint.

GenAI smartphones, such as Samsung Electronics Co.’s latest Galaxy S24 series, are loaded with generative AI models that can generate new content or perform AI-based tasks tailored to specific situations.



“More than 10 OEMs have launched over 30 GenAI-capable smartphones so far,” said Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint. “AI in smartphones has been a key talking point since the start of this year, especially after the successful debut of the Galaxy S24 series, where Samsung has gained good mind share in marketing early AI use cases.”

It expected Samsung to lead GenAI smartphone OEM rankings in 2024.

“This is the second trend in the past couple of years where Samsung enjoyed an early-mover advantage; the first one being the success of its foldables. The AI advantage will provide Samsung momentum in the mid-to-premium smartphone segment as GenAI features get recognized more broadly in coming years,” Pathak said.

With the AI-enabled Galaxy S24 series, Samsung Electronics is stepping up its efforts to secure a leading role in the AI ecosystem by significantly expanding its AI models.

The company aims to extend AI capabilities to mid-range smartphones by 2025, expanding the coverage of AI smartphones beyond premium models.

Apple Inc. is also expected to unveil various AI features with its next operating system, iOS 18, at its annual developer conference on June 10.

By Jeong Ho-jun and Chang Iou-chung

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