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Qualcomm is about to raise prices and that’s bad news for everyone

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Why This Matters

Qualcomm's upcoming price increases, driven by rising component costs, pose a significant challenge for the tech industry and consumers by potentially raising the prices of smartphones and other devices that rely on Qualcomm chips. This development could lead to higher costs for manufacturers, which may be passed on to consumers, impacting affordability and innovation. The ripple effect underscores the ongoing impact of supply chain disruptions on the broader tech ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

is a news writer covering all things consumer tech. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI.

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Qualcomm sent a letter to customers on Friday warning of plans to increase its prices by “a percentage in the double digits,” Bloomberg reports. The price hikes will go into effect starting with products shipped after September 1st.

Qualcomm claims it has “exhausted its ability to absorb higher costs from suppliers,” as ongoing component shortages continue to drive up prices. The company also said it attempted to source components from alternate suppliers prior to announcing the price hikes.

As Bloomberg notes, Qualcomm’s price increases will likely have a ripple effect, particularly for smartphones. Qualcomm’s chips power everything from Samsung’s new foldables to upcoming smartglasses. Earlier this year, Qualcomm even promised one of its new chip platforms would deliver $300 Windows PCs. Those devices could get pricier if device manufacturers pass the brunt of Qualcomm’s price hikes onto their customers.

Qualcomm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.