AI Chip Rush Threatens 20% Price Hike for Phones, Laptops

Consumers may soon pay significantly more for smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. Industry experts warn that a global rush to build artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is creating a major shortage of advanced semiconductors. This high demand for AI chips is crowding out production capacity for the consumer electronics market. Manufacturers report they cannot secure enough components. Analysts now forecast that this supply crunch could drive up retail prices for popular devices by as much as 20% within the next year. The shortage highlights a growing conflict between corporate AI development and the availability of everyday technology.