Chipmakers Have Pivoted Toward Agentic AI for Phones
Manufacturers are integrating advanced AI processors to boost the utility of next-generation mobile devices.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Chipmakers and smartphone brands like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple have begun developing agentic AI technology to run directly on mobile devices. Companies are implementing these features to provide consumers with more compelling reasons to upgrade their smartphones.
Why it matters
The industry seeks to drive interest in new, expensive handsets by enabling sophisticated AI processing that does not require remote servers. This shift aims to improve device performance while managing power consumption through specialized hardware.
MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro utilizes dual NPUs to divide AI tasks, while Samsung's Galaxy S26 incorporates the Now Nudge function for screen information recognition. These systems rely on the collaboration of CPU, GPU, and NPU hardware to process complex workloads locally.
The players
Qualcomm
This corporation is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of mobile processors and wireless technologies.
MediaTek
The company is a major semiconductor designer that specializes in components for mobile and smart devices.
Apple
This multinational technology firm designs and markets consumer electronics including smartphones and high-performance mobile chips.
Samsung
The firm is a leading consumer electronics manufacturer that integrates custom software and hardware into its Galaxy smartphone line.
IDC
This global market intelligence firm provides data and forecasting on technology and telecommunications industries.
The details
On-device AI allows mobile processors to handle complex tasks locally without relying on remote servers, which lowers power consumption. These advancements are critical as companies face rising device prices driven by global memory shortages.
Timeline
August 2026: IDC released its market forecast for smartphone shipments.
2026: The industry projects a 16.7 percent drop in global shipments.
The Tech Race
This race to integrate agentic AI mirrors the transition from cloud-dependent computing to localized on-device processing. The strategy updates the industry reliance on the 2026 IDC global smartphone shipment decline projection, marking a shift toward software-defined value propositions.
Users can expect more intuitive device interactions, such as screen recognition features that simplify navigation and task automation. However, these complex hardware requirements may contribute to sustained high prices for new smartphones.
The takeaway
The mobile industry is banking on artificial intelligence to reinvigorate consumer interest in an otherwise stagnating device market. Consumers should evaluate whether these new AI capabilities offer enough practical value to justify the rising costs of modern smartphone upgrades.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving mobile landscape, visit our Consumer Electronics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TVBS.
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