AI-driven memory supply shortages persist, leading to upward price pressure on smartphones from Samsung Electronics and others in the second half of the year

Odaily reports that the memory supply shortage driven by AI demand continues, and the pressure to increase prices for smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, Apple, and Xiaomi will persist into the second half of the year.

According to sources in the mobile phone industry, the possibility is rising that the prices of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z8 series, scheduled for release this month, will be adjusted according to storage capacity. The base 256GB model is expected to remain at around 3.05 million Korean won, the same as the previous generation, while the prices for the 512GB and 1TB models may increase by approximately 120 thousand Korean won each.

This pricing approach aims to minimize price hikes on the base model and prioritize adjustments for larger-capacity models where memory cost pressures are higher.