Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Jun 22
TrendForce Sees Memory Prices Jumping Up to 75% in 2026 as AI Servers Drain Supply
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Jun 22

TrendForce Sees Memory Prices Jumping Up to 75% in 2026 as AI Servers Drain Supply

2 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Jun 22

Summary

  • Up to 75% further memory price increases are expected this year, TrendForce said, on top of roughly 100% gains already seen in recent months.
  • AI server demand is driving the squeeze as major suppliers shift capacity toward higher-margin memory for data centers without adding enough overall output, leaving general-purpose RAM short.
  • Gartner estimates the shortage will cut 2026 PC shipments 10.4% and smartphone shipments 8.4%, while lifting device prices 17% and 13% versus 2025.
  • Consumer brands are already passing costs through: Sony raised PS5 prices by $100, Microsoft and Nintendo increased console prices, and Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is tipped for a $100-$150 hike.
  • The surge adds to signs of AI infrastructure strain, after TrendForce earlier reported DDR2 prices rose 55%-60% in Q2 as wafer capacity was diverted toward AI-related memory.

Insights

Has the AI boom permanently broken the memory market's historic boom-and-bust cycle?
As AI devours memory supply, are critical industries like automotive facing an unavoidable, costly crisis?