Has the iQOO 16 been officially canceled?

iQOO has not officially announced whether they are canceling the iQOO 16 launch this year.

Why is the iQOO 16 reportedly being cancelled?

Rising prices for memory components could significantly increase the phone's production costs, making it difficult for iQOO to maintain its aggressive pricing strategy. According to leaks, the iQOO 16 could be priced around Rs 85,000 due to rising memory prices.

How much could the iQOO 16 have cost?

Not officially confirmed, recent leaks suggest the base iQOO 16 variant’s price might reach Rs 85,000, substantially higher than previous generations, including the iQOO 15.

Why are smartphone memory prices increasing?

The memory price hike has lasted a long time, and smartphone makers had to pass it on to customers. The rise is due to the recent AI boom and tighter supply chain issues from ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S.A. and Iran.

Will iQOO still launch new smartphones in 2026?

While the iQOO 16's future remains uncertain, leaks suggest the company will still introduce new smartphones across other series, including its budget Z series.

iQOO 16 Reportedly Cancelled Due to Rising Memory Prices

Highlights

After CMF, Vivo’s gaming brand, iQOO, might cancel the launch of its new gaming flagship phone.
Leaks suggest the iQOO 16 could cost up to Rs 85,000 due to the recent memory price hike.
iQOO has not confirmed this officially. The smartphone maker will continue launching its new Z series phones.

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iQOO 16 Reportedly Cancelled Due to Rising Memory Prices

Vivo’s gaming sub-brand smartphone maker, iQOO, is now struggling with rising memory prices and may decide to cancel its much-awaited premium flagship phone for the year, the iQOO 16. The memory price hike crisis has lasted a long time, and with no pricing regulation, the ongoing AI boom, and geopolitical tensions between the U.S.A and Iran, phone prices are skyrocketing. Here is what we know so far about iQOO’s plan for its new 16-series phone.

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Key Highlights

iQOO 16 reportedly will cancel its launch due to “rising memory prices”
Leaks suggest the iQOO 16 could be priced around Rs 85,000 due to the memory price hike.
iQOO has yet to officially confirm this update.

Also Read: Redmi May Unveil a 7-Inch Flagship, K90 Ultra Pro Max Tipped

Rising Memory Prices Reportedly Lead to iQOO 16 Cancellation

Vivo’s sister brand, iQOO, was launched to make a “gaming phone with the best specs for an eye-catching price tag,” but rising memory prices have become a major hurdle to delivering that “Best-Gaming Phone” in India.

The previously launched iQOO 15 was a major hit, offering the latest features, a premium display, a power-packed chipset, and a larger battery. It started at Rs 72,990 for 12GB+256GB, and with offers, the price has dropped below Rs 70,000.

The iQOO 16’s development is facing hurdles. According to prominent tipster Yogesh Brar on X, rising memory prices could push the base variant’s cost to around Rs 85,000, hurting its competition against OnePlus.

This has left iQOO with no option but to cancel the iQOO 16 launch globally, including in India.