Major tech firms are pouring billions into artificial intelligence, which has created a strong demand for semiconductors. At the same time, shortages of memory chips and fast-rising manufacturing costs are putting heavy pressure on the global technology industry.Companies like Apple and Samsung have already increased the prices of their smartphones and laptops. Now, the world’s biggest chip maker, TSMC, is also expected to raise its prices. One of its key customers, Qualcomm, plans to increase the cost of its processors by a double-digit percentage.According to international reports, Qualcomm is raising prices because of higher production costs that it can no longer absorb.
The new prices are expected to take effect from September 1. While the company is looking at other options, it has not yet made an official announcement.Smartphones are already expensive for many buyers. If both TSMC and Qualcomm go ahead with these increases, phones and laptops could become even costlier in the coming months. Qualcomm provides processors to several major brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Motorola.This wave of price hikes across the supply chain is likely to affect consumers worldwide as tech companies pass on the extra costs.
