18.05.2026 14:31
The chip crisis and supply chain issues have once again alarmed the technology sector. General Mobile Deputy General Manager İlkay Cihaner stated that problems in helium gas supply will increase smartphone costs, adding that phone prices in Turkey could rise by 40 percent by the end of 2026.
The chip crisis and supply chain issues, which have resurfaced in the technology world, have increased concerns about smartphone prices. General Mobile Deputy General Manager İlkay Cihaner stated that problems with the supply of helium gas used particularly in chip production could significantly increase costs towards the end of the year.
COUNTDOWN FOR THE LOCAL FOLDABLE PHONE
Turkey-based technology brand General Mobile is preparing to launch its new model, which it describes as Turkey's first locally manufactured foldable smartphone, in the fall.
In a statement made by the company's management, it was expressed that the developed device is not just a new phone model, but also a special product representing the brand's technology vision. If the planning continues as it currently stands, the device is targeted to be released for sale in October.
HELIUM CRISIS INCREASES COSTS
According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, one of the most notable headlines in the technology sector has been the crisis in the supply of helium gas. It is stated that problems in the global supply of helium gas, which plays a critical role in chip and semiconductor production processes, could directly affect production costs. Delays in the supply of components used especially in semiconductor production are expected to be reflected as price increases in smartphones.
“COST PRESSURE WILL REFLECT ON PRICES”
General Mobile Deputy General Manager İlkay Cihaner said that current stockpiles limit the cost pressure in the short term, but prices have risen significantly for new part purchases. Cihaner noted that increases in memory and semiconductor costs, especially, could directly affect the prices of next-generation devices.
CLAIM OF 40 PERCENT INCREASE IN PHONE PRICES
According to the company's management assessment, it is projected that smartphone prices in Turkey could increase by approximately 40 percent by the end of 2026 compared to 2025 levels. It is stated that the sharp rise in memory costs will particularly make premium and next-generation devices more expensive. Industry representatives indicate that if problems in the global supply chain continue, new waves of price increases on technology products may be inevitable.