JB Hi-Fi Says AI is Driving Up Laptop and Smartphone Prices
Australian Financial Review
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 15 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 1
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 17 Feb 2026, 03:00 am
Description
The electronics retailer’s sales growth slowed in January after consumers took advantage of November sales events to splurge on the latest technology.
Summary
The article reports on JB Hi-Fi's observation that prices for laptops and smartphones are increasing due to the growing demand for artificial intelligence-driven data centers, which in turn raises the demand and prices for memory storage. This finding highlights an indirect impact of AI advancements on consumer electronics pricing. Although the main focus is on commercial and economic aspects of AI, it underscores the broader implications of AI technology on global markets and consumer sectors. There is no direct discussion of AI safety measures or catastrophic risks, but the content is relevant in understanding the economic ripple effects of AI advancements globally.
Body
CompaniesRetailEarnings seasonPrint articleAngira BharadwajBanking and financial services reporterFeb 16, 2026 – 10.00amFollow our live coverage of the February 2026 ASX reporting seasonJB Hi-Fi says customers should expect to pay more for smartphones and laptops as the artificial intelligence-led boom in data centres ratchets up demand, and prices, for memory storage.Loading...Angira Bharadwaj is a banking and financial services reporter for The Australian Financial Review. Email Angira at angira.bharadwaj@nine.com.auSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreEarnings seasonJB Hi-Fi LimitedAppliancesOnline shoppingConsumer spendingE-commerceResults wrapRetailAIFetching latest articles