Smartphones lead evidence increase for 97% of respondents, AI accelerates 65% of searches.

According to Cellebrite's 2026 Industry Trends Report, 97% of respondents cite smartphones as the primary source of evidence, a 24-point increase from 2024. 95% agree digital evidence increases the chances of resolving cases, but 94% say its complexity increases workload. 65% believe AI can accelerate research, but one-third says directives prevent its use. Only 42% are receptive to digital evidence, with two-thirds still relying on physical supports.