Major price hikes expected for smartphones

The chip crisis, supply chain issues, and rising production costs that have recently returned to the agenda in the technology sector have brought about new assessments regarding smartphone prices. Stating that global supply problems are complicating production processes, General Mobile Deputy General Manager İlkay Cihaner expressed that the supply shortage of helium gas, which is used particularly in semiconductor production, could be reflected in prices later in the year.

AUTUMN TARGET FOR FOLDABLE MODEL

Turkey-based technology company General Mobile plans to launch its foldable smartphone model in the autumn months. In a statement made by the company, it was noted that the new model is not just a device launch, but also an important part of the brand's new strategy in the field of technology.

According to the planning, the foldable phone is aimed to be introduced to users in October.

HELIUM PROBLEM IN CHIP PRODUCTION

One of the notable topics in the sector has been the supply shortage of helium gas, which is of critical importance in chip production. It was noted that disruptions in the procurement of helium used in production processes have increased semiconductor costs.

Experts assess that this situation could increase smartphone production costs and create pressure on prices.

EXPECTATION OF PRICE HIKES IN SMARTPHONES

According to the company management's assessment, although current stocks keep the impact of cost increases limited in the short term, it is stated that if new production parts are procured at higher costs, changes in price balances may occur.

It is projected that smartphone prices in Turkey could increase by approximately 40 percent by the end of 2026 compared to the previous year's levels. In particular, the rise in memory costs is expected to drive up the prices of new-generation devices.

News Source: 12punto