Carl Pei Anticipates Smartphone Prices Will Rise in 2026
The founder of Nothing, Carl Pei, has issued a clear warning: a global shortage in RAM memory is about to directly impact what we pay for smartphones. His analysis points to a structural shift in the semiconductor market, where artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules. 🚨
Artificial Intelligence Absorbs Memory Production
The industry no longer prioritizes manufacturing chips for mobiles. The total focus is on producing high-capacity and bandwidth modules destined for data centers running AI models. This segment is much more profitable, so manufacturers allocate most of their capacity there. The result is a drastic reduction in the availability of conventional memory chips, creating a bottleneck that could last for years.
Immediate Consequences for the Supply Chain:- Mobile manufacturers face a direct increase in the cost of a key component.
- The scheduled shortage of RAM memory for general consumer use pressures delivery timelines.
- Competition for silicon wafers intensifies, leaving consumer devices at a disadvantage.
The pressure on the semiconductor supply chain will inevitably transfer to end-consumer products.
The End User Will Foot the Bill
To protect their profit margins, phone companies will have no choice but to pass on the additional cost to the final device price. This increase could slow down users' renewal cycles, particularly affecting mid-range and low-end segments, where price sensitivity is highest.
Impact on Consumer Behavior:- Possible slowdown in new phone sales.
- Users might keep their devices for longer.
- Increased interest in the refurbished and second-hand market to save money.
A Future Where AI Suggests Selling Your Old Phone
The landscape that emerges is paradoxical. The same AI assistants driving this runaway demand could end up suggesting we sell our old device to finance the purchase of the next one. This scenario underscores a profound transformation in which consumer technology shifts to