Concrete steps are finally being taken for the long-awaited installment arrangement in the Turkish smartphone market. Rising phone prices due to disruptions in the global supply chain, increases in chip production costs and fluctuations in exchange rates make it difficult for consumers to access new generation devices.

It was claimed that the Ministry of Commerce was preparing to expand the existing installment limits in favor of the consumer, in order to facilitate access to 5G-supported middle and upper segment devices and to prevent the contraction in the mobile communication market.

With this regulation, which is being prepared and is expected to become official in the coming weeks, it is expected that there will be a significant increase in the upper price limit of phones that can benefit from 12 installments.

A big update in the installment threshold is on the way

According to current legal regulations, 12 installments are offered for smartphone purchases in Turkey for devices priced below 20,000 TL, while phones above this amount are limited to only 3 installments.

However, as of 2026, developments in technology and cost increases have caused even devices defined as the “middle segment” to exceed the 20,000 TL threshold. While this situation complicates the payment plans of citizens who want to access technology, it also causes a serious stagnation in the retail market.

According to the new draft that the Ministry of Commerce is allegedly working on, it is planned to bring the 12 installment threshold into line with market realities. As a result of the long-term contacts of sector representatives with the ministry, it is stated that lowering the installment upper limit to 35,000 TL is on the agenda.

This move opens the way for purchasing not only entry-level but also many new performance-oriented models with wide installment opportunities.

5G transformation and digitalization process is accelerating

In line with Türkiye’s digital transformation goals, the spread of 5G infrastructure is of great importance. However, the hardware costs of 5G supported smartphones are higher than those of older generation devices. Consumers’ distance from these new technologies due to the 3-installment limitation slows down the renewal rate of the mobile market.

The Ministry of Commerce’s initiative to increase installment limits actually supports Türkiye’s technological modernization in a sense. As the scope of the 12 installment advantage expands, citizens are expected to turn to more up-to-date, long-lasting and 5G compatible models.

Industry stakeholders predict that with the implementation of this regulation, sales will revive and traffic in technology stores will increase in the second half of the year.

20 percent growth forecast from industry experts

The contraction in the smartphone market affects not only the end user but also device manufacturers and distributors. Industry experts estimate that this expansion in installment limits will provide a sales increase of between 15 percent and 20 percent across the market.

Increasing the number of installments allows especially students and working people to buy a new phone without shaking their budget.

When does the new term start?

It is said that the details of the regulation prepared by the Ministry of Commerce have been clarified and it will be published in the Official Gazette and come into force in a short time. According to the information circulating behind the scenes, the new payment facilities are expected to officially start in June at the latest. As of this date, technology markets and operators are preparing to announce new campaigns according to current limits.

As a result, this move from the state against rising technology prices aims to both revitalize the economy and facilitate citizens’ access to smartphones, which have become one of their most basic needs.