The global smartphone industry is confronting severe supply chain pressure as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence consumes vast portions of the worldwide memory supply. According to a report from BigGo Finance, this massive diversion of critical components is directly hitting mobile manufacturers.

With memory chips increasingly channeled toward demanding AI applications, device makers are experiencing unprecedented procurement constraints. This scarcity has triggered an astronomical spike in retail costs, with smartphone prices surging by as much as 300%.

The combined impact of skyrocketing device prices and component shortages has dealt a heavy blow to consumer demand and manufacturing outputs. Consequently, global smartphone shipments have tumbled to what is described as the worst levels on record.

For full details and further market breakdown, please refer to the original coverage on BigGo Finance.