Memory component costs impact smartphone prices and Sony hardware plans

Rising memory component costs are driving up smartphone prices and reducing consumer demand for the second consecutive quarter. Manufacturers are increasing component stockpiles in anticipation of further price hikes expected in the second half of 2026. The average selling price of smartphones rose by 13% last quarter as brands shifted focus toward premium models to offset costs. While Apple has maintained stable pricing thus far, analysts expect it may follow competitors in raising prices soon.

In the gaming sector, Sony has not yet announced a release date for the PlayStation 6. CEO Hiroki Totoki indicated the company is being cautious, partly due to the impact of artificial intelligence on the component market. The surge in AI-related demand is increasing competition for memory and other essential hardware components, which could affect the availability and manufacturing costs of future consoles. Additionally, Sony is increasingly diversifying its business model by leveraging intellectual property across games, films, and music, reducing the immediate pressure to launch new hardware to maintain growth.