Retailers Brace for Hit as Global CPU Shortage Drives Prices Up and Supply Down

channelnews.com.au Mar 27, 2026

Retailers Brace for Hit as Global CPU Shortage Drives Prices Up and Supply Down

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Mar 27, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

A global shortage of central processing units (CPUs) is disrupting retailers selling PCs, driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence chips. Intel and AMD's constrained CPU output is being redirected towards lucrative AI workloads, leaving PC manufacturers scrambling for supply. Lead times have blown out to 12 weeks, and prices have surged 10-15% on average this year, forcing vendors to pass on higher prices and risk a drop in consumer demand.

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iPhone Air successor with two cameras rumored for spring 2027

Apple is reportedly working on the iPhone Air 2, a successor to the iPhone Air, which debuted in September 2025. The new device is expected to launch in early 2027 with improved battery life and an ultra-wide camera, addressing key complaints from iPhone Air buyers. The iPhone Air 2 will likely be released alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, following Apple's shift in iPhone release schedule. The device's specifications and timeline may change, but improved battery life and a second camera are expected.

💡 The iPhone Air 2's release could have significant implications for Apple's product lineup, particularly if it becomes an annual release. If successful, it could create a new tier in the iPhone lineup, potentially cannibalizing sales from the iPhone Pro and iPhone Fold models.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

After unveiling ridiculously expensive AR glasses, Snap’s stock takes a dive

Snap's highly anticipated AR glasses, Specs, had a disappointing debut, with the company's stock plummeting over 5% after the launch. The glasses, which retail at nearly $2,200, have raised concerns about their profitability, particularly given Snap's core user demographic of teenagers who may not have the financial means to afford them. The stock has been struggling, dropping 30% over the past year, and has yet to recover from the announcement. Snap's CEO, Evan Spiegel, defended the price, comparing Specs to high-end computers and laptops.

💡 Snap's pricey AR glasses may be a non-starter for its core user base, threatening the company's business model and potentially limiting the product's market potential. The high cost of Specs may force Snap to reevaluate its target audience and pricing strategy, making it a crucial test for the company's ability to adapt to changing consumer demands.

windowscentral.com · Jun 18

The Surface Pro 12 isn’t the Surface Pro 12-inch: Microsoft’s naming scheme…

Microsoft has unveiled six new Surface devices this year, but the company's naming scheme has caused confusion among consumers. The Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box have distinct names and designs, but the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 have business and consumer versions with key differences. Microsoft's website and third-party retailers list multiple devices with similar names, making it difficult for shoppers to find the right PC. The Surface Pro family's complex naming structure, which includes overlapping generation numbers and screen size configurations, adds to the confusion.

💡 Microsoft's inconsistent naming scheme may deter casual buyers who are not tech experts, making it harder for them to find the right device. A clear and consistent naming scheme is essential for a company that sells a wide range of products, and Microsoft's failure to achieve this may lead to lost sales and a negative reputation.

9to5google.com · Jun 18

Pixel Screenshots no longer exclusively uses on-device AI

Google's Pixel Screenshots app is transitioning away from solely using on-device AI for processing. The latest update, version 1.26.134.11, introduces a change in settings that allows users to opt for cloud processing instead of on-device processing. This shift is made possible by Google's Private AI Compute technology, which ensures data security and privacy. The update also includes NotebookLM integration, Read aloud for articles, and Material 3 Expressive tweaks.

💡 Google's move to cloud processing in Pixel Screenshots highlights the company's commitment to balancing AI capabilities with user data security. By leveraging Private AI Compute, Google can offer more advanced AI features while maintaining user trust and control over their data.

9to5google.com · Jun 18

Google has ended Nest Mini and Nest Audio production, discontinuing both speakers

Google has confirmed the discontinuation of its Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers, citing the introduction of the Google Home speaker as the replacement. The Nest Mini, launched in 2019, offered a budget-friendly option for Google Assistant, while the Nest Audio, released in 2021, provided improved audio quality. Existing devices will continue to receive software updates and support, but new hardware production has ended. The move leaves Google's ecosystem without a cheaper entry point, with the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max remaining available for purchase.

💡 The loss of the Nest Mini as a budget-friendly entry point into Google's smart home ecosystem may deter price-conscious consumers from adopting Google Assistant, potentially limiting the platform's growth.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

AI is hurting Apple in more ways than one: it may force…

Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook has warned that the company's products, including the iPhone, may become more expensive due to a global shortage of memory chips caused by AI's insatiable demand for hardware. Cook described the situation as "unsustainable" and stated that price increases are "unavoidable," despite efforts to absorb the fourfold increase in chip costs since last year. The company is expected to launch its next iPhone in September, potentially allowing it to announce increased prices.

💡 Apple's struggle to cope with the memory chip shortage highlights the unintended consequences of AI's rapid growth, which is now putting pressure on the company's profit margins. As AI continues to drive demand for hardware, consumers may face higher prices for Apple products, forcing the company to reevaluate its AI strategy and pricing strategy.