Qualcomm plans September chip price hike as Samsung debuts AI glasses co-developed with Google

Qualcomm plans double-digit chip price hike from September

Qualcomm has notified industry customers of a planned increase in processor prices scheduled to take effect in September, according to an internal company letter reviewed by Bloomberg News. The adjustment is described as a double-digit percentage rise and reflects Qualcomm's stated inability to continue absorbing higher supplier costs despite efforts to source alternative components from new suppliers. Market analysts attribute the pressure to shortages of memory chips and other components, as substantial capital investment has been redirected toward AI infrastructure globally. Those capacity constraints are also affecting supply for consumer electronics, particularly smartphones.

Next-generation flagship processor slated for Q4

The pricing change comes as Qualcomm prepares to introduce its next-generation flagship processor in the fourth quarter of the year. The overlap means higher component costs will arrive alongside the rollout of new premium smartphones from leading global handset makers, who are expected to pass some of the added expense on to retail buyers.

Samsung unveils AI glasses built with Google and Qualcomm

Samsung Electronics used its Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 event in London to unveil two AI glasses models developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. The products extend prototypes first shown at Google I/O 2026 in May and feature new designs created with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, with retail sales expected to begin later this year. Samsung framed the launch as the first major push into AI eyewear by a leading mobile device maker.

Power optimisation and privacy safeguards

To address battery life, Samsung formed what it called a "Power Camp" with Google and Qualcomm, bringing together more than 50 hardware, software and chip engineers from the three firms to optimise power efficiency. Samsung said the glasses can deliver up to nine hours of battery life under demanding workloads in a thin, lightweight design. The company also highlighted privacy features: a built-in LED indicator lights up whenever the camera is in use, and an on-body detection sensor automatically disables image capture when the glasses are removed and set down.