Anticipated OEM Price Increases: How to Navigate Rising Collaboration Tech Costs in 2026
OEM Price Increases Are Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.
If you’re planning significant collaboration technology upgrades in 2026, you may want to take a close look at your roadmap. The tech industry is bracing for a wave of OEM product price increases due to rising semiconductor costs. Chips are the lifeblood of modern devices, and as global demand surges while supply remains tight, manufacturers are going to start passing those costs along in the very near future.
If you’re planning significant collaboration technology upgrades in 2026, you may want to take a close look at your roadmap. The tech industry is bracing for a wave of OEM product price increases due to rising semiconductor costs. Chips are the lifeblood of modern devices, and as global demand surges while supply remains tight, manufacturers are going to start passing those costs along in the very near future.
Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do about it.
Why Are Prices Increasing?
Two powerful forces are colliding to drive up costs across the collaboration technology industry:
The AI Revolution Is Voraciously Consuming Chip Capacity
Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing how we work—it’s fundamentally reshaping global semiconductor demand. Consider this: a single AI query (like asking Copilot a question) requires 10-30 times more energy and processing capacity per query than searching Google.
Now multiply that by billions of daily AI interactions happening across the globe. The result? Unprecedented demand for advanced chips, pulling manufacturing capacity away from other applications, including the processors, cameras, and displays that power your meeting rooms, collaboration devices, and digital workplace tools.
Geopolitical Supply Chain Pressures
The global chip supply chain remains fragile. The majority of advanced semiconductor manufacturing is concentrated in a handful of facilities, primarily in Taiwan and South Korea. Trade policies, export restrictions, and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to constrain supply and drive up costs.
In this context, manufacturers are prioritizing their most profitable product lines while other hardware competes for limited production slots. The bottom line: component costs are rising, and OEMs are expected to begin passing those increases along, starting as soon as February 2026.
What Does This Mean for Your Organization?
These aren’t modest adjustments. Based on what we’re hearing from our manufacturing partners, organizations should prepare for meaningful price increases across:
Two powerful forces are colliding to drive up costs across the collaboration technology industry:
The AI Revolution Is Voraciously Consuming Chip Capacity
Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing how we work—it’s fundamentally reshaping global semiconductor demand. Consider this: a single AI query (like asking Copilot a question) requires 10-30 times more energy and processing capacity per query than searching Google.
Now multiply that by billions of daily AI interactions happening across the globe. The result? Unprecedented demand for advanced chips, pulling manufacturing capacity away from other applications, including the processors, cameras, and displays that power your meeting rooms, collaboration devices, and digital workplace tools.
Geopolitical Supply Chain Pressures
The global chip supply chain remains fragile. The majority of advanced semiconductor manufacturing is concentrated in a handful of facilities, primarily in Taiwan and South Korea. Trade policies, export restrictions, and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to constrain supply and drive up costs.
In this context, manufacturers are prioritizing their most profitable product lines while other hardware competes for limited production slots. The bottom line: component costs are rising, and OEMs are expected to begin passing those increases along, starting as soon as February 2026.
What Does This Mean for Your Organization?
These aren’t modest adjustments. Based on what we’re hearing from our manufacturing partners, organizations should prepare for meaningful price increases across:
We may also see product shortages in some areas.
What Can You Do Today?
The good news? You have options, but time is a factor. Here’s how to navigate this situation strategically:
1. Review Your Roadmap Take a fresh look at your 2026 plans. Which conference room refreshes, hardware upgrades, or new deployments were already on your list? Prioritize projects where equipment purchases can happen in the next 4-6 weeks.
2. Accelerate Purchases Where It Makes Sense For projects with clear ROI and defined timelines, moving purchases forward by a few months can lock in current pricing and deliver immediate value.
3. Explore Financing and Leasing Options Budget constraints are real, especially early in the year. Consider leasing and financing solutions that let you secure equipment at today’s prices while spreading payments across quarters or fiscal years.
4. Get Expert Guidance You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team is in ongoing communication with manufacturers, understands technology lifecycles, and can help you make informed decisions about timing, alternatives, and budget optimization. We’re here to be your strategic partner, not just another vendor.
These price increases are industry-wide and unavoidable. But with the right information and planning, you can minimize the impact on your budget and timeline.
Stay Informed
The collaboration technology landscape moves fast—new product announcements, pricing updates, and industry shifts happen constantly.
What Can You Do Today?
The good news? You have options, but time is a factor. Here’s how to navigate this situation strategically:
1. Review Your Roadmap Take a fresh look at your 2026 plans. Which conference room refreshes, hardware upgrades, or new deployments were already on your list? Prioritize projects where equipment purchases can happen in the next 4-6 weeks.
2. Accelerate Purchases Where It Makes Sense For projects with clear ROI and defined timelines, moving purchases forward by a few months can lock in current pricing and deliver immediate value.
3. Explore Financing and Leasing Options Budget constraints are real, especially early in the year. Consider leasing and financing solutions that let you secure equipment at today’s prices while spreading payments across quarters or fiscal years.
4. Get Expert Guidance You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team is in ongoing communication with manufacturers, understands technology lifecycles, and can help you make informed decisions about timing, alternatives, and budget optimization. We’re here to be your strategic partner, not just another vendor.
These price increases are industry-wide and unavoidable. But with the right information and planning, you can minimize the impact on your budget and timeline.
Stay Informed
The collaboration technology landscape moves fast—new product announcements, pricing updates, and industry shifts happen constantly.
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