Premium smartphones, tablets, and laptops could become more expensive in 2027 as TSMC prepares to raise chip production prices by as much as 10%. The greatest pressure may fall on new devices using the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies.
The increase would not necessarily translate into an identical rise in retail prices. Device makers may instead decide how much of the additional cost to absorb and how much to pass on to buyers.
Higher Costs Could Reach Multiple Device Categories
Advanced chips are commonly used in high-end phones and products that require substantial computing performance. That makes premium device prices particularly vulnerable when new product generations begin reaching the market.
The possible effect extends beyond smartphones. Smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and devices built around artificial intelligence features could also face higher component costs.
According to Nikkei Asia, as cited by Beritasatu, TSMC’s planned price adjustments are expected to take effect in early 2027. Consumers may not see an immediate impact because new hardware requires time to move through production and distribution.
Both Advanced and Older Manufacturing Lines Are Affected
The plan is not limited to leading-edge manufacturing. TSMC is also expected to adjust pricing for several older process technologies, broadening the potential impact across the electronics supply chain.
| Production Type | Planned Increase | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced nodes | 5% to 10% | Varies by chip type and customer |
| 12 nm, 16 nm, and 28 nm | Up to 10% | Applies to older manufacturing lines |
For advanced nodes, the reported increase ranges from 5% to 10%, depending on the chip and the customer placing the order. These processes are typically associated with premium hardware and high-performance computing products.
The inclusion of 12 nm, 16 nm, and 28 nm lines indicates that the cost pressure may not be confined to the newest chips. Products using older but still widely used manufacturing processes could also be affected.
Chip Customers Explore More Supply Options
TSMC manufactures chips for major technology companies including Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel. A higher cost at the foundry would increase the expense these companies face when sourcing components for their products.
Apple is reportedly exploring cooperation with Intel and Samsung to diversify its chip production. The move reflects a broader effort to reduce dependence on a single manufacturing partner as costs rise.
Intel is also said to be aiming to produce about 80% to 90% of the compute tiles for its Nova Lake processors in its own factories using the 18A process. That differs from an earlier plan that would have placed about 60% to 70% of those components at TSMC using N2 technology.
Qualcomm, meanwhile, is reportedly considering Samsung’s manufacturing services again for future Snapdragon chipsets. The shifting strategies suggest that manufacturing cost and available capacity are becoming central factors in the supply of semiconductor chips.
TSMC’s reported pricing plan has been linked to rising raw-material costs and more expensive semiconductor production equipment. Investment in new manufacturing facilities outside Taiwan is also adding to the company’s funding requirements.
For buyers, the key issue is not that every electronic product will rise by the same percentage. The more likely outcome is selective pressure on premium models, where advanced components account for a larger share of production costs.