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 research on smartphone panels reveals that shortages and rising memory prices—one of the most costly components in smartphones—are reshaping brand shipment strategies for 2026 and weakening panel demand.
The rapid rise of generative AI is driving continuous growth in demand for high-speed data transmission in data centers. Copper cable solutions, traditionally used for short-distance intra-rack interconnects, are increasingly facing challenges in both transmission density and energy efficiency.
