Memory chip squeeze to keep smartphone prices elevated through 2026, IESA warns
IESA president flags no relief in memory prices over the next 12-18 months as global capacity gaps persist. Smartphone prices have already risen 20-30% in six months, with Micron's India output fully booked. Industry is pressing for ISM 2.0 incentives above USD 10 billion to close the gap.
IESA warns memory chip prices will stay elevated for 12-18 months due to no new capacity, having already pushed smartphone prices up 20-30% in six months. Micron's India capacity fully booked; ISM 2.0 incentives sought above USD 10 billion.
Why this matters
IESA's warning underscores how upstream memory constraints are reshaping India's smartphone retail pricing, with Micron's booked capacity and calls for ISM 2.0 funding above USD 10 billion signaling a structural supply gap.
Retail-brand signals steady at 392 over the last 90 days, indicating sustained brand-led activity.