A recent report has revealed that smartphones have become the most critical source of digital evidence in criminal investigations, with detectives relying on data from these devices in 97 percent of cases. This marked an increase from 73 percent in the previous year, emphasizing the shifting landscape of digital forensics. In contrast, laptops were used in only 51 percent of cases, while CCTV contributed to 41 percent.
The findings come from the 2026 Industry Trends report by Cellebrite, a company that provides digital forensics tools to law enforcement agencies around the globe. The report surveyed around 1,200 investigators and highlighted the extensive range of information found on smartphones, including messages, photos, and location data. Police officials now describe smartphones as a “crime scene in your pocket,” underscoring their significance in modern policing.
Evidence obtained from mobile phones has played a pivotal role in securing high-profile convictions. Notable cases include the investigation into the murder of Brianna Ghey, where forensic recovery of WhatsApp messages from the phones of her killers revealed months of planning, including a “kill list” that proved vital in their conviction. Similarly, in the case of disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards, incriminating evidence was discovered on his phone related to illegal images and communications, leading to his guilty plea.
Digital forensics experts, like David Gee, Chief Marketing Officer of Cellebrite, noted that smartphones essentially serve as “digital twins” of their owners, holding vast amounts of personal knowledge that can aid investigations. Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, Matt Scott, emphasized the importance of smartphone evidence in establishing facts and creating timelines that help secure justice.
Moreover, the report identified cryptocurrency as an emerging source of evidence, utilized in 22 percent of cases due to the rise in online scams. Despite the vast amount of evidence available through digital means, challenges remain as 65 percent of detectives reported feeling overwhelmed, often managing ten cases simultaneously. Many are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to accelerate their workload, as a typical investigation now requires up to 35 hours, with 60 percent of that time spent on evidence evaluation alone.
In addition to these findings, the report calls attention to ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of digital information used in investigations, illustrated by an incident involving West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford’s reliance on erroneous AI-generated data when deciding to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa last year.
As technology continues to evolve, the role of smartphones in criminal investigations underscores their significance in contemporary society. With a keen focus on digital forensics, law enforcement agencies are enhancing their capabilities to pursue justice effectively, reflecting an ongoing commitment to adapt to the digital age.