Mobile Phones to Get Costlier by 2026: Silver, AI, Rupee Depreciation Blamed

• Mobile phones are projected to become 10-15% more expensive in 2026, driven by several factors.
• Rising silver prices, a key component in mobile manufacturing, are contributing to increased production costs.
• The growing integration of AI in smartphones is causing a shortage and price hike in memory chips, processors, and storage.
• A 6% depreciation of the Indian rupee against the dollar makes imported mobile parts, which constitute 90% of components, significantly costlier.
• Companies, previously absorbing costs, are now expected to pass these increased expenses onto consumers, making current purchases beneficial.

Why It Matters: Buy your new mobile now; prices are set to jump 10-15% in 2026 due to silver, AI, and rupee fall.