For a mainstream notebook with an MSRP of US$900, surging memory prices alone could raise retail prices by more than 30%; combined with CPU price increases, the total price hike could approach 40%. If memory and CPU prices rise simultaneously, their combined share of notebook BOM costs could climb to 58%. CPU supply volatility is also emerging, with shortages beginning to affect entry-level platforms across multiple brands.
Global smartphone production reached 337 million units in 4Q25, rising 2.7% QoQ, and was supported by strong shipments of Apple’s new iPhone lineup, according to TrendForce’s latest insights into the smartphone industry. For the full year, both Apple and Samsung each produced nearly 240 million units, tying for the top position in global smartphone production.
MacBook Neo signals Apple’s formal expansion into lower price tiers, cultivating future brand loyalty earlier. Pricing aligns with mainstream Windows notebooks, strengthening competitiveness in education procurement markets. Apple’s superior supply chain control allows it to introduce a lower-priced device despite industry headwinds.
TrendForce’s latest smartphone industry research predicts that soaring memory prices are set to weigh heavily on global smartphone production in 2026. Total output is forecast to decline 10% YoY to approximately 1.135 billion units. With memory prices showing no clear signs of easing, the growing gap between higher retail prices and consumer price tolerance is expected to further dampen end demand.
Global TV shipments in 2026 are projected at 194.81 million units, down 0.6% YoY Concurrent price hikes in memory, display panels, and precious metals are pushing up TV production costs, making retail price increases for new models increasingly likely Memory’s share of TV BOM cost is expected to rise from 2.5–3% to 6–7% amid the current price surge