Qualcomm is preparing to raise prices on its Snapdragon processors. This step by the chipmaker is expected to push up costs for Android smartphones as manufacturers pass along the higher component expenses to buyers. The adjustments could impact a variety of smartphones, tablets, and wearables since Qualcomm supplies chipsets to major brands. The increases are described as a temporary measure to manage current market conditions and the ongoing memory shortage.

Snapdragon Processors Set for Price Increases

According to CNBC, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated that the company intends to boost its margins through higher chip prices beginning September 1. The firm is also exploring options to strengthen its supply chain. These price changes will apply to the chipsets provided to smartphone makers.

Amon noted that buyers are opting for lower-end premium models or prior-year devices rather than the newest flagships amid rising memory costs. He explained that elevated supply expenses have reduced gross margins. "It is a temporary, short-term matter we are handling with price increases," Amon said.

Qualcomm's price plans follow a 20 percent year-over-year decline in handset chip revenue for Q3, with sales dropping to $5.1 billion. The decrease stems from soft demand trends in China and higher memory costs.

During its Q3 2026 earnings call, the company highlighted broad cost rises across the semiconductor sector in wafer production, assembly, testing, advanced packaging, memory, and other materials. It added that revenue has stayed solid despite these pressures.

Qualcomm has not disclosed the exact percentage of the increase, though reports suggest double-digit hikes for products shipped after September 1. The changes are likely to affect brands including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, and OnePlus. The company is expected to unveil Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series chipsets at its annual Snapdragon Summit in September, with devices such as the Xiaomi 18, OnePlus 16, and Samsung Galaxy S27 to follow.