--- title: "Global smartphone prices surge by estimated 20 percent since start of the year due to inflated memory costs" url: https://newscentral.site/global-smartphone-prices-surge-by-estimated-20-percent-since-start/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-16T16:32:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-18T00:02:06.255Z id: 6dc8283b-2d11-4b76-891d-51067b9e4321 source: "Engadget https://www.engadget.com/2288908/if-memory-shortages-last-tech-companies-should-offer-cheap-battery-replacements/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/global-smartphone-prices-surge-by-estimated-20-percent-since-start/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Global smartphone prices surge by estimated 20 percent since start of the year due to inflated memory costs The lack of affordable battery replacements is a significant barrier to adopting a more sustainable approach to smartphone ownership, with tech companies failing to offer cheap alternatives. Global smartphone prices have surged by an estimated 20 percent since the start of the year due to sharply inflated memory costs. This price hike is being passed on to consumers, forcing them to either hold onto their devices for longer or opt for refurbished phones. The lack of affordable battery replacements remains a significant barrier to adopting a more sustainable approach to smartphone ownership. Tech companies are largely failing to offer cheap alternatives, making it difficult for people to upgrade their batteries rather than replacing entire handsets. Apple is one company that has been criticized for its expensive battery replacement prices. For the newest Pro model, Apple charges $129 for an out-of-warranty battery service, which is a premium price compared to other repair options. The cost of replacing iPhone batteries varies depending on the device and its age. The 2020 iPhone 12, for example, costs $89 to replace, while the Duo battery is priced at $229. These prices are in line with those charged by Apple's competitors. Samsung, another major smartphone manufacturer, also charges high prices for out-of-warranty battery replacements. While the company does not prominently list its replacement costs on its website, reports suggest that consumers can expect to pay between $99 and $129 if they go directly through Samsung. Many phone manufacturers are offering extended warranty plans that include included battery replacements, but these packages need to be signed up for shortly after purchasing a device. An alternative option is iFixit, which offers DIY repair kits for modern phones, although not all devices are designed to be easily user-repairable. Historically, Apple has charged lower prices for out-of-warranty battery replacements. In 2018, following a public scandal involving iPhone throttling, the company drastically reduced its pricing in the US to just $29 for a full year. This move had a significant impact on sales, with reportedly 11 million battery swaps taking place in 2018 alone. Before that year, Apple averaged around 1-2 million battery swaps annually. The price cut was part of an effort to address customer dissatisfaction and boost confidence in the brand. However, it appears that customers took advantage of the reduced pricing by opting for cheaper repairs rather than upgrading their devices. In January 2019, then-CEO Tim Cook cited this as a factor contributing to Apple's revenue shortfall, although he attributed the majority of the decline to external factors such as economic slowdowns in China. The price of phone batteries has become increasingly relevant given rising costs across the industry. On the same day Apple announced its latest iPhone models, it also increased the prices of older iPhones by $100. This move was followed shortly after by Samsung's decision to hike prices on most of its S26 phones by $100. The trend of increasing prices is not limited to flagship devices. Even mid-range phones are being affected, with Samsung's FE line seeing a significant price jump at launch. The newest model in this series, the S26 FE, costs more than its predecessors despite offering only modest upgrades. As phone prices continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important for consumers to consider repair options rather than upgrading or replacing their devices outright. With battery shortages becoming a growing concern, tech companies may need to revisit their pricing strategies and offer affordable replacement options to maintain customer loyalty and satisfaction. American consumers are facing a stark reality: despite rising paychecks, their purchasing power is dwindling. Since January 2018, consumer prices have surged by approximately 34 percent, leaving each dollar to buy roughly a quarter less than it did then. The disparity between nominal and real wages has become increasingly apparent. While average hourly earnings for private-sector employees rose from $26.72 to $29.91 by December 2020, representing an 11.9 percent increase, the Consumer Price Index climbed 5.3 percent during the same period. This results in a modest real gain of about 6.3 percent. However, this average masks the struggles faced by many workers. A recent analysis by the Pew Research Center revealed that median weekly wages, adjusted for inflation, decreased around 3.2 percent between December 2020 and December 2025. Moreover, real hourly earnings have dropped to approximately 1 percent below their December 2020 level. As inflation outpaces pay, consumers are left grappling with reduced purchasing power. In August, real hourly earnings were down 0.3 percent from the previous year's levels, highlighting the pressing need for relief. The memory crunch has also exposed a concerning trend among tech companies: prioritizing profitability over affordability. Apple and Samsung have increased prices above inflation rates, leaving consumers to bear the brunt of rising costs. The ongoing memory shortage has sparked renewed calls for tech companies to make affordable battery replacements available to consumers. This move would not only be a sustainability-driven initiative but also a practical solution to help mitigate the financial burden on customers. Device manufacturers should consider offering cheap out-of-warranty battery replacements until the supply of memory chips catches up with demand, predicted to happen by 2030. --- Source: [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2288908/if-memory-shortages-last-tech-companies-should-offer-cheap-battery-replacements/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/global-smartphone-prices-surge-by-estimated-20-percent-since-start/