HBM Chip Shortage Drives Up Electronics Prices Amid AI Boom

The surge in demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips is driving up prices of electronics worldwide. The HBM chips are essential for AI processors, and production capacity has been sold out. Micron Technology, one of the largest memory chipmakers, will report its quarterly results on September 30, and analysts expect a record quarter.

The shortage of HBM chips has a ripple effect on consumer electronics, with prices rising sharply. According to TrendForce, the memory in the new iPhone 18 Pro costs about 400% more than a year ago, and the phone's total component cost has risen by about 38%. Apple has raised the price of both new Pro models by roughly CZK 2,000.

The same trend is playing out with gaming consoles. Sony raised the price of the PlayStation 5 with a disc drive by roughly CZK 2,500 in the spring, and Microsoft has raised the price of the 1 TB Xbox Series X by roughly CZK 4,000 since August. PC makers Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus are raising prices by 15 to 20%, and the average smartphone price is expected to rise by 14% this year.