If you are planning to buy a new smartphone in 2026, the year may prove to be an unfavorable time for an upgrade, as industry experts warn of a significant rise in handset prices.
According to a report by market research firm Counterpoint, the cost of RAM used in smartphones has surged sharply in recent months, a trend that is expected to push device prices higher in the coming year.
Counterpoint has revised its forecast for global smartphone sales in 2026. While the firm had earlier projected growth in sales, it now expects the market to contract by up to 2.1 percent.
The report notes that prices of memory chips could rise by as much as 40 percent during the second quarter of 2026. Between early 2025 and December, RAM prices have already increased by 8 to 25 percent.
The research firm added that smartphone manufacturers may reduce overall device shipments worldwide to manage rising costs. Smaller brands are expected to be hit harder than major players such as Apple and other leading companies.
Experts say manufacturers have already begun adjusting their products to offset higher production costs by cutting back on features. In some models, camera module quality has been reduced, while compromises have also been made in displays, audio components, and memory.
Analysts have warned that smartphone prices could increase by up to 7 percent next year. However, consumers who typically purchase premium or flagship models may feel the impact less compared to buyers in the mid-range and budget segments.
