Telecommunications & Media

Apple seen as only major maker to raise shipments despite 14 percent smartphone market contraction forecast

Apple is expected to be the only major smartphone maker to increase shipments this year even as the global market slumps on surging memory prices, a report said. Analysts at GF Securities forecast Apple’s 2026 smartphone shipments will rise 4 percent to 257 million units, while global shipments fall 14.2 percent to 1.08 billion. They see Apple widening its lead over Samsung Electronics and keeping the top spot for a third straight year.

Games & Commerce

AI-driven memory shortage could spark PS6 price shock, with RAM and storage costs alone seen above $680

Sony's next-generation PS6 could see its RAM and SSD components alone cost more than $680, an online report said, citing a hardware leak account. The figures are unofficial and Sony has not disclosed PS6 specifications or pricing. The estimates have risen sharply since earlier this year, with the same source previously giving lower cost projections. Memory and storage supply constraints driven by AI demand are also cited as a factor, with Micron warning prices could rise further.