KARACHI – Consumer memory and storage prices rose sharply during the second quarter of 2026 as ongoing supply constraints continued to affect key components used in smartphones, personal computers and other electronic devices.

According to data released by market research firm Sigmaintell, prices of several dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) and storage products recorded substantial quarter-on-quarter increases, extending a trend that began in the second half of 2025.

The average price of a 16Gb DRAM component rose from $19.20 in the first quarter to $28.50 in the second quarter, an increase of nearly 49 per cent. Meanwhile, the price of a 16GB DDR4 module climbed 51pc to $207.10 from $137.

Low-power memory products used in smartphones saw even steeper increases. A 32Gb LPDDR component rose 75pc to $45.90, while a 96Gb LPDDR5X component surged 89pc to $145.90, marking the largest increase among the DRAM products tracked in the report.

Storage products also recorded significant price increases. The cost of a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD rose 54pc to $126.30, while 256GB UFS 3.1 storage more than doubled in price, increasing 103pc to $62.70. The price of a 16GB eMMC 5.1 component rose 69pc to $22.60.

The sharpest overall increase was reported for uMCP memory and storage packages, widely used in smartphones and tablets, whose price rose 107pc from $72.50 to $150.40.

Industry analysts attribute the shortages to a shift in manufacturing priorities by memory producers, many of whom have redirected production capacity towards higher-margin products such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM), server DRAM and enterprise-grade solid-state drives used in artificial intelligence data centres and cloud infrastructure.

The reallocation of production capacity has reduced supplies of consumer-focused memory products, including DDR, LPDDR and NAND flash components, contributing to sustained price increases across the electronics sector.

Manufacturers have already passed some of the higher costs on to consumers through increased prices for laptops, smartphones and gaming devices. Analysts warn that the supply-demand imbalance could persist for several years, with some forecasts suggesting shortages may continue until 2028.

As a result, memory and storage prices are expected to remain elevated, adding further pressure to the cost of consumer electronics worldwide.

LAHORE – WhatsApp users may have found a new way to determine whether they have been blocked by a contact without sending a message or placing a call, using the platform’s encryption-verification feature.

The method relies on WhatsApp’s automatic security-code verification system, which was introduced to simplify the process of confirming that conversations remain protected by end-to-end encryption.

While several commonly cited indicators — such as a missing profile picture, undelivered messages or unsuccessful calls — are often associated with being blocked, none of these signs provides definitive proof. Changes to privacy settings, device replacements or connectivity issues can produce similar outcomes.

The newer approach centres on WhatsApp’s encryption-verification tool, available through a contact’s chat information page.

Each WhatsApp conversation is secured using unique encryption keys that can change when a user reinstalls the application, switches devices or links an additional device to their account. The platform allows users to verify the integrity of these keys through the Encryption section within a chat.

According to reports circulating online, the automatic verification process may repeatedly fail in conversations where a user has been blocked.

To perform the check, users can open a conversation, tap the contact’s name to access chat information and select the Encryption option. WhatsApp then attempts to verify the conversation automatically.

If the verification is completed successfully, it is generally considered a sign that the contact has not blocked the user. However, if the application repeatedly fails to complete the process and suggests using an alternative verification method, some users believe it could indicate that a block has been applied.

WhatsApp has not officially described the feature as a tool for detecting blocks, and the company has not confirmed any link between failed verification attempts and blocking.

Experts caution that automatic verification may also fail because of temporary connectivity problems, recent changes to encryption keys or other technical factors unrelated to blocking.

As a result, users are advised to treat the method as a possible indicator rather than conclusive evidence. WhatsApp could also modify the verification system in future updates, potentially affecting how the feature behaves.

LAHORE – TECNO Pakistan has announced a special limited-time Mother’s Day campaign titled “Love You Ammi!”, offering customers a free pair of earbuds on the purchase of any smartphone from the TECNO CAMON 50 Series at selected stores across Pakistan.

The campaign is designed to celebrate Mother’s Day through meaningful gifting, combining emotional storytelling with TECNO’s photography-focused smartphone experience.

As part of the offer, customers who purchase any device from the CAMON 50 Series—including CAMON 50, CAMON 50 Pro, and CAMON 50 Ultra—on May 9, 2026, will receive complimentary earbuds as a special gift for their mothers. The offer is available at selected TECNO partner stores in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

Through this initiative, TECNO encourages users to celebrate their mothers by capturing and sharing meaningful moments using the CAMON 50 Series. The campaign brings together technology and emotion, reinforcing TECNO’s focus on creating real-life experiences through its devices.

To participate in the campaign, customers are required to purchase any CAMON 50 Series smartphone, take a photo with the device and the complimentary earbuds, and share it on social media. Participants must tag @TECNOMobilePakistan and use the hashtags #MothersDaywithTECNO, #CAMON50Series, and #ZoomInSnapJoy.

Through the “Love You Ammi!” campaign, TECNO Pakistan continues its commitment to creating experience-driven technology that connects users with meaningful moments beyond devices, encouraging them to celebrate and share the bond with their mothers.

The Mother’s Day offer is valid only on May 9, 2026, and is available while stocks last at selected TECNO partner stores nationwide. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and updates, please visit TECNO Mobile Pakistan’s official social media channels.