Rising Memory Chip Costs Expected to Increase Smartphone Prices in 2026

Smartphone prices are expected to rise significantly in 2026 due to a sharp increase in memory chip costs driven by growing demand from AI data centres and supply chain challenges. Nothing CEO Carl Pei highlighted that manufacturers face a choice between raising prices or reducing specifications, with Nothing opting to maintain performance despite higher costs. Industry experts also predict similar price hikes for other electronics like TVs and laptops, with potential ongoing increases throughout the year.