The semi-conductor shortage has resulted in Canon selling certain multi-function printer cartridges without any smart chips. These are the more expensive cartridges for higher end printers used in commercial environments.
The removal of the chips has resulted in users getting error messages. Canon have provided a work-around to these printer owners and are understood to be issuing firmware updates to cope with this problem.
What are microchips on ink cartridges used for? Officially they are to record ink level information of each colour cartridge, but they can also prevent the use of compatible cartridges.
In the future it is possible that the current microchip shortage could effect other manufacturers, causing a shortage of supply. The problem is already stalling the production of new printer models.