If you purchased a smartphone recently and you're still waiting to receive it, you're not alone. The chips are down, and this is causing major delays and shortages for consumers and companies across the globe.
With everything from cars to gaming consoles and electric toothbrushes powered by integrated circuits – also known as semiconductor chips – it's no wonder we're having to wait so long to get our hands on the latest devices.
The chip shortage is yet another result of the COVID pandemic. While remote working increased the demand for computers globally, health and safety regulations forced production at factories to stall. Over 160 industries have been affected by the lack of microchips worldwide.
Two years later and the effects are still being felt now and experts say, this will continue to be a problem throughout 2022 and possibly run right into 2023.
What does the shortage mean for the consumer?
When it comes to new cars that use these chips, this equals rising expenses but for devices, it mainly means long waiting periods.
Chips are a key part of devices like smartphones, tablets and gaming devices so cellular networks and stores across the world are reporting limited and, in some cases, no stock.
The global shortage of chips has caused all device manufacturers – from Apple and Samsung to PlayStation to hit pause on the production of their most popular devices, including the iPhone 13 range and the PS5.
The good news is while production is slow at the moment, it is continuing. Consumers will still be able to order and purchase smartphones but will have to exercise patience and hold tight before they can get their eager hands on their devices.
