Smart POS terminals in service globally will almost triple by 2026, as retailers seek analitycs capabilities. Soft POS „will limit consumer confidence in security and restrict growth” – research.

A new study by Juniper Research has found that smart POS terminals globally in service, where analytics and loyalty can be integrated directly to the terminal, will increase from 13.7 million in 2021, to 35 million units in 2026.  As digital payments accelerate and QR codes provide intense competition, particularly in North America, POS terminals need to offer more features than before.  The report identified smart POS terminals as the future of POS terminals that should be considered by all vendors.

The research recommends POS manufacturers focus on high-value features, such as inventory management, loyalty scheme automation and store synchronisation, in order to maximise the appeal of their offerings in a highly competitive hardware market.

For more insights, download the free whitepaper: POS Terminals ~ Changing the Payments Experience

Contactless to Account for Majority of Transaction Value at POS in 2026

The new research, POS Terminals: Device Innovation, Competitive Landscape & Market Forecasts 2021-2026, found that by 2026, 57% of all payments at POS by value will be contactless globally, compared to just under 25% in 2021.  This growth, supported in large part by increasing contactless payment limits, represents a steep change in how consumers pay.

The research recommended that, as contactless enablement is now the default for POS manufacturers in their products, they need to focus on new capabilities, such as smart POS and greater device mobility within stores, to sustain current POS hardware shipment levels.

Soft POS to Carve Market Niche

The research identified that soft POS, the ability to use NFC on mobile devices to accept contactless payments, will accelerate.  Soft POS provides a cheaper route into card acceptance than ever for the smallest businesses, meaning that it is compelling for this particular niche.

Accordingly, the global number of smartphones being used for soft POS payments will increase from 3.2 million in 2021, to almost 24 million in 2026.  However, the research emphasised that soft POS not being an immediately recognisable POS terminal will limit consumer confidence around security; restricting growth.