0740 GMT - Samsung is expected to overtake Apple and reclaim the top spot in the global smartphone market in 2026, with shipments rising 0.8% while Apple's are projected to decline 2.1%, according to Counterpoint Research. The research firm forecasts global smartphone shipments will fall 14.3% amid rising component costs and weaker consumer purchasing power. Samsung's broad product portfolio and resilient supply chain are expected to support its performance, Counterpoint says. Chinese smartphone brands are projected to post shipment declines of 15% to 34%. Counterpoint expects market conditions to remain challenging in 2027 before a recovery begins in 2028.