Overview
- Carl Pei said Nothing’s smartphone lineup will see higher prices in 2026, with some early‑year models shifting to faster UFS 3.1 storage.
- Pei reported memory costs have already tripled in some cases, with modules that were under $20 a year ago potentially topping $100 for top‑tier phones by late 2026.
- Counterpoint, IDC and TrendForce expect further sharp memory price jumps this quarter, while near‑term retail increases of about 4–8% are being signaled across phones, laptops and TVs.
- Analysts warn brands must either raise prices or cut specifications, with entry and mid‑tier segments most exposed and projected to contract by roughly 20% as discounts tighten.
- Industry watchers see consolidation pressure on smaller vendors and caution that meaningful supply relief may not arrive until 2027 as new fabrication capacity comes online.