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<p>Counterpoint Research predicts a 6.9% rise in smartphone prices by 2026 due to AI chip shortages, impacting memory chip supply. Shipments may drop by 2.1%. Component costs, especially DRAM, are rising, affecting production costs. Apple and Samsung are better positioned to handle this, while Chinese manufacturers may struggle, potentially downgrading components to manage costs.</p>

- A shortage of memory chips, driven by AI demand, is forecasted to lead to a 2.1% decline in smartphone shipments and a 6.9% increase in average selling prices in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research.  
- The rising costs are attributed to specific chip shortages, particularly in dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), crucial for both AI data centers and smartphones.  
- Major brands like Apple and Samsung are better positioned to navigate these challenges, while smaller brands may struggle to compete with rising prices and may resort to using downgraded components.

The AI chip shortage could raise smartphone prices — new research spells out by how much