Qualcomm chip prices rise from 1 September

The timing is particularly challenging. Qualcomm’s announcement comes a week after reports that TSMC is planning another round of price increases of up to 10% in 2027. At the same time, the global shortage of memory chips is expected to persist until 2030. This will likely keep DRAM and NAND flash prices at all-time highs.

The combined effect is creating a perfect storm for consumer electronics manufacturers. Smartphone makers are now grappling with rising costs for processors, memory, manufacturing, and other key components, making it increasingly difficult to absorb the additional expense without passing some of it on to customers.

Both Apple and Google have confirmed price increases for their devices, citing the unprecedented surge in memory costs. Qualcomm’s decision now raises the prospect that Android smartphone vendors could soon follow with similar adjustments across future flagship and even mid-range devices.

Source: CNBC