Smartphone prices worldwide are expected to increase significantly in 2026, with average costs projected to rise by around 6.9 per cent, driven largely by ongoing shortages of critical semiconductor components. Industry analysts point to rising prices of memory chips and other key parts as the main factors pushing manufacturing costs higher.
The growing demand for chips from sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centres and electric vehicles has strained supply, leaving smartphone makers with higher bills. As a result, manufacturers are likely to pass on part of these increased costs to consumers, impacting devices across budget, mid-range and premium segments.
