Bad news for phone buyers: Higher prices, fewer features in 2026; here’s the reason why

Get ready for pricier smartphones in 2026! A global memory chip shortage, fueled by AI data center demand, is driving up manufacturing costs. Expect average prices to jump nearly 7% year-over-year, with budget phones hit hardest. Shipments are projected to decline, as companies grapple with rising expenses and potential component downgrades.