Memory Shortage Drives Smartphone Price Increases
Counterpoint Research said on Tuesday that a memory-chip shortage driven by AI data-center demand will likely cut smartphone shipments by 2.1% in 2026 and lift average selling prices about 6.9% year-on-year. The firm cited DRAM-driven bill-of-materials increases—as much as 20–30% for sub-$200 phones and a potential further 40% memory-price rise through Q2 2026—which could force component downgrades. This could pressure margins for mid-to-low-end Chinese makers while favoring Apple and Samsung.
Key Points
- 1Forecasts show smartphone shipments falling 2.1% in 2026 with average prices rising 6.9%
- 2DRAM demand from AI data centers and shortages push component and bill-of-materials costs sharply higher
- 3Implications include component downgrades, price hikes, and Chinese mid-low brands facing margin pressure
Scoring Rationale
Timely industry forecast highlighting AI-driven DRAM shortages and price effects, but relies on a single analyst firm projection.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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