Your Next Laptop Could Cost 20% More by Summer — Here's Why Tech Shoppers Are Panic-Buying Now
Buying a new laptop, phone or TV could get more expensive later this summer.
Concerns over supply disruptions, combined with tariffs and growing demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, are raising fears of higher electronics prices in the months ahead.
Read This: You're Most Likely To Regret Splurging on These 5 Things
Trending Now: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
Industry experts say AI infrastructure is now competing for some of the same memory components used in consumer electronics.
This turmoil could push electronics prices higher in the months ahead for shoppers already watching their budgets. Find out more below.
Why Chips Matter
Memory chips are a core part of nearly every modern electronic device, including laptops, smartphones, gaming systems and smart TVs.
That’s why even the possibility of disruption inside the global semiconductor market can quickly raise concerns about future pricing and inventory shortages.
“Consumer electronics supply chains operate on long lead times with globally distributed suppliers,” said Kshitiz Saini, commodity manager in technical operations supply chain at American Airlines. “So even localized manufacturing or logistics disruptions can ripple downstream into assembly schedules, inventory availability and retail pricing.”
Prices Could Rise
Shoppers may not see major electronics shortages right away. But some supply chain experts say higher prices could start showing up over the next few months if disruptions continue.
“I believe that over the next months, customers will start to notice higher prices for devices if interruptions persist,” said Lucy Blackley, founder of supply chain platform Bombiix. “Due to the interdependence of the current electronics supply chain, any delays or interruptions would further strain the production and inventory processes, which will eventually impact the final price that customers pay at the register.”
Retailers See Trouble
Some retailers are already trying to slow the impact of rising electronics costs before major price increases hit shoppers directly.
“Retailers and telecoms are already trying their best to somehow mitigate the increase in product prices,” said Marty Bauer, ecommerce and retail expert at Omnisend. “Some are focusing on negotiating with producers, while others are ready to absorb at least a part of an increase.”
At the same time, supply chain experts say online marketplaces could react especially quickly because pricing changes can happen in real time.
Before major price hikes become obvious, Blackley said shoppers may first notice fewer discounts, lower inventory or longer delivery delays for some electronics products.
Tech Costs Climbing
Industry experts say products that rely heavily on memory and storage components could become more expensive first, especially lower-cost devices with tighter profit margins.
“The cheapest laptops, budget smartphones, gaming PCs, tablets, routers and some consoles are most exposed because there is less margin for manufacturers or retailers to absorb component cost increases,” said James Sheridan, CEO of Sheridan Technologies.
Sheridan said shoppers may not always see the impact as a dramatic shortage or sudden price spike.
“On Amazon or other, large retail platforms, the first signs are usually fewer promotions, older inventory selling through, third-party sellers raising prices … and budget models becoming harder to find,” he said.
The Window Is Closing
Experts say shoppers who already planned to buy a laptop, phone or other electronics device this year may want to pay closer attention to pricing over the next several weeks.
Sheridan said shoppers have until the early summer to buy while some retailers still have older inventory and promotional pricing.
“My practical advice is do not buy something you do not need, but do not delay a planned purchase purely in hopes of a better deal,” he said.
Retail experts say that pricing pressure may become more noticeable once retailers sell through older inventory purchased before recent supply concerns intensified.
“There is a window, but it’s closing in the next month or two depending on the specific product, so you should act quickly,” Bauer added. “Major retailers still have items for sale that they initially acquired at the end of last year. Once the backstock runs out, the price hikes are inevitable.”
To help Americans navigate the added cost of summer, MoneyLion is giving away $1,000 every day through July 4. Enter the Summer Break Giveaway here (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See official rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: