#smartphone prices

Qualcomm will raise the prices of its processors starting September 1, 2026, a move that could increase production costs for Android smartphone makers and lead to higher device prices. The company has informed customers that chips shipped after the date will carry higher prices. The exact increase has not been publicly detailed, but reports suggest prices could rise by a double-digit percentage. Phone makers may respond by raising retail prices, using older processors, changing other components, or absorbing part of the additional cost. As AI requires a certain level of hardware, Google Assistant will continue operation on smartphones that don't meet the minimum specifications (2GB of RAM, Android 10), Google Home devices, Google TV, smart displays, and other similar technologies. It's a design symbolic of breaking past conventional cycles and traditional smartphone boundaries. The visual refresh marks a strategic pivot for the company, signaling its transition from a traditional smartphone manufacturer into a full-fledged AI device ecosystem provider. Updated this June 2011 to reflect current market prices. Read more in our articles including "Qualcomm to raise Snapdragon Chip prices in September" and "The Huawei Matepad Pro 2026 is official".