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Xiaomi’s 18 Pro starts at 5,999 yuan, 1,000 yuan more than its predecessor, as Chinese phone-makers push prices higher. Caixin Global links the trend to AI-related pressure on chip supplies.

The article excerpt also says manufacturers are offering fewer lower-priced options and raising prices on existing models. That makes the chip squeeze a potential cost for phone buyers, not just a headache for data centres. Caixin’s supplied excerpt does not explain how much of Xiaomi’s increase is due to chip costs. Still, 1,000 yuan is a conspicuous change in a market where cheaper choices appear to be thinning out.

Discuss: If AI demand keeps pushing up chip costs, should phone-makers absorb more of the increase or pass it on to buyers?

Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.