Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast Phones Will Cost More, but This Camera Is Free?
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Jan 16, 2026 
In this discussion, Mariah Zenk, a tech contributor, brings her insights on why we're seeing phone prices climb, particularly with the camera-first Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The team dives into a free giveaway of the quirky Fujifilm X-Half and debates the implications of subscription models in tech, including Apple’s new Creator Studio. They also touch on the rising cost of RAM and its impact on midrange phone offerings, plus how the evolving tech landscape is reshaping consumer expectations. Tune in for tech trivia and some surprising analogies!
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Apple Picks Gemini For Siri
- Apple chose Google's Gemini to power on‑device Apple Intelligence features and Siri.
- Marques and David highlight this as pragmatic: Apple controls UI and privacy while leveraging a capable foundation model.
Memory Costs Threaten Phone Specs
- Memory and storage price spikes could force smartphone makers to either raise prices or cut specs.
- Marques and David note large manufacturers may absorb costs short-term, but mid/entry phones are most at risk.
Watch OEMs Before Expecting Price Hikes
- Expect large OEMs to absorb memory cost increases for at least one year.
- David suggests monitoring fab capacity and data‑center demand to predict when prices normalize.