AI infrastructure is making smartphones pricier
Marketplace Tech · Oct 29, 2026 · 5:12
Marketplace Tech · Oct 29, 2026 · 5:12
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Consumer electronics and AI data centers need memory chips. But there are only a handful of companies in the world that make them. The surge in demand has caused memory shortages and price spikes for everything, including our all-important smartphones.
Gerrit Schneemann is principal analyst at Counterpoint Research, which recently reported global phone prices have jumped by an average of 15%, and even more in markets where consumers can least afford it.
“The AI boom is making the world’s cheapest smartphones disappear” from Rest of World
“Global Existing Smartphone Prices Climb About 15% in 2026, New Launches 25% Costlier YoY as OEMs Maneuver Memory Price Hikes” from Counterpoint Research
