71% of smartphone users now use generative AI: CMR study
71% of smartphone users now use generative AI, says CMR, with trust, on-device AI and camera tools shaping India’s smartphone choices in 2026.
Generative AI is no longer just another smartphone feature. It is rapidly becoming a deciding factor for buyers, changing the way people search, write, capture photos and communicate every day.
A new report by CyberMedia Research (CMR) reveals that 71% of smartphone users now use generative AI features multiple times a week, while 77% regularly rely on AI-powered photography tools. The findings suggest that AI has evolved from a premium add-on into a core part of the smartphone experience.
AI is becoming part of everyday smartphone use
According to CMR's Smartphone AI Pulse 2026 study, more than half of users are already comfortable using AI features. Around 57% of respondents said they clearly understand and actively use AI capabilities on their devices.
Among these users, 49% regularly use five or more AI features, making them heavy users, while 41% fall into the moderate usage category. Only 10% said they use AI occasionally, typically when prompted by an app or device.
The report also highlights generational differences. Nearly 72% of Gen Z respondents said AI would influence their next smartphone purchase, compared with 65% of millennials. Usage patterns also vary by preference, with many women using AI primarily for photography and imaging, while more men rely on it for productivity and communication.
From writing emails to editing photos
The research shows that smartphone users are increasingly turning to generative AI for practical everyday tasks rather than novelty features. Popular use cases include searching for information, drafting messages, translating languages, summarising content and receiving conversational assistance in chats and emails.
AI-powered photography continues to be another major driver of adoption, helping users enhance images with minimal effort.
Privacy is becoming a key differentiator
While AI adoption continues to grow, trust remains a major concern. The report found that 82% of respondents consider transparent data practices essential before trusting AI features on their smartphones.
Additionally, 61% believe that on-device AI offers better privacy and faster performance by processing more information locally rather than sending data to the cloud. Around seven in ten respondents also identified advanced chipsets as the foundation for delivering these AI experiences, highlighting growing awareness of dedicated AI hardware.
The road ahead for smartphone brands
The findings indicate that smartphone buyers are looking beyond cameras and processors when choosing their next device. AI experiences, privacy protections and reliable on-device performance are becoming equally important factors.
For smartphone brands, this marks a shift from competing on hardware specifications alone to delivering AI features that offer clear everyday value while building user trust. As generative AI becomes more deeply integrated into mobile devices, it is likely to play an even bigger role in shaping the next generation of smartphones.