Electronics makers raise prices and drop cheaper models amid memory chip shortage
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 6
Electronics makers raise prices and drop cheaper models amid memory chip shortage
11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 6
TrendForce says mainstream laptops costing about $900 could rise by up to 40% in 2026, while Microsoft, Sony and Meta have already increased prices by £20 to £200.
AI datacentre demand has absorbed memory supply and production capacity, while flash storage and lower-end processor availability has also tightened as manufacturers prioritise higher-margin AI components.
Gartner says sub-$500 PCs could disappear by 2028, and new memory capacity from Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron is unlikely before 2027, with shortages potentially lasting until 2030.
What is the hidden environmental cost of AI's insatiable demand for the world's memory chips?
Is the AI boom a sustainable industry shift or an inflationary bubble for the entire tech sector?
As AI's growth makes everyday technology a luxury, are we creating a new digital divide?
2026 Memory Shortage Sparks 11.3% Global PC Shipment Decline Amid AI-Driven Demand Surge
Overview
In 2026, the rapid expansion of AI data centers has caused a severe shortage of memory components like DRAM and NAND flash, as major suppliers prioritize high-bandwidth memory for AI infrastructure. This shift has led to soaring memory prices and tight supply, forcing PC, smartphone, and gaming manufacturers to raise prices, cut production, and revise shipment forecasts. Low- and mid-tier smartphone brands are especially vulnerable, while industry leaders like Apple and Samsung manage better due to scale and contracts. The shortage is expected to persist through 2027 and beyond, as new memory fabs ramp up slowly, permanently reshaping the consumer electronics market with higher costs and constrained device upgrades.