Overview
- Counterpoint now forecasts 2026 smartphone shipments down 2.1% and average selling prices up 6.9% as DRAM costs keep climbing.
- Industry tracker reports say Samsung has doubled DDR5 contract prices to roughly $19.5–$20 per unit and warned customers of scarce supply, with DDR4 costs also jumping.
- Counterpoint estimates memory prices could rise another 40% through Q2 2026, lifting phone bills of materials by roughly 8% to more than 15% above already elevated levels.
- The sub‑$200 segment faces the steepest pressure, with BoM up 20%–30% since early 2025 and vendors considering component downgrades or reused parts to contain costs.
- Analysts say Apple and Samsung are best positioned while Chinese brands face tighter margins, and TrendForce notes PC makers planning price and spec shifts, including more 8GB notebooks.