If you plan to buy a new smartphones or laptop soon, get ready to pay more. As of January 11, 2026, experts warn that prices for these devices are about to jump. The main reason is the huge demand for memory chips from AI technology. Big companies are shifting their focus to AI servers instead of everyday gadgets. This change is making memory chips harder to get and more costly.
Memory chips are key parts in smartphones and laptops. They help store and process data quickly. Now, AI systems need even more powerful memory. This includes things like high-bandwidth memory or HBM. Companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron control most of the global supply. They are now using their factories to make chips for AI data centers. This leaves less for consumer products.
Analysts predict a big price hike in the first quarter of 2026. For server memory, prices could rise by up to 70%. This comes after a 50% increase in 2025. If this trend continues, memory costs might double by mid-2026. Reports from Korea Economic Daily highlight this shift. Samsung and SK Hynix are planning these big jumps in prices for their server products.
The impact on smartphones will be clear. Low-end models might go back to having just 4GB of RAM. This is down from higher amounts in recent years. Buyers of budget phones could see prices go up by 10% or more. High-end smartphones might cost even extra because they need advanced memory. Brands like Apple and Samsung may pass these costs to customers. This could make new models less affordable for many people.
Laptops smartphones are also in trouble. A typical laptop with 16GB of RAM might cost $40 to $50 more to make. Manufacturers will likely add this to the retail price. This means everyday users pay the bill for AI growth. Experts from Bank of America say DRAM prices could rise by 33% over the whole year. This surge is driven by limited supply and high demand from tech giants.
Why is AI causing this problem? AI models like those from OpenAI or Google need massive amounts of data processing. They run on servers that use tons of memory chips. Companies such as Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are building huge data centers. These centers eat up the available chips. As a result, the supply for regular devices drops. TrendForce, a market research firm from Taiwan, notes that general DRAM prices have already jumped 55-60% in one quarter. They expect server DRAM to increase over 60% in early 2026.
The global memory market is under pressure. IDC reports that DRAM supply growth will be only 16% this year. NAND flash, used for storage, will grow just 17%. These numbers are below the usual averages. This shortage started building in 2025. Now, it’s hitting full force in 2026. Reuters points out that memory company stocks have soared. Micron’s shares went up 240% last year. Samsung doubled, and SK Hynix quadrupled in market value. Investors see big profits from the AI boom.
But this is not just about tech. The higher costs could affect the whole economy. When gadgets get expensive, people might buy less. This slows down sales for retailers. Small businesses that rely on affordable laptops could struggle. Even schools and students might find it hard to update their devices. Economists warn that this inflation from AI investments could spread. It might raise prices in other areas too.
Let’s look deeper at the companies involved. Samsung is the biggest player in memory chips. They make DRAM and NAND for smartphones and computers. Now, they are ramping up production for HBM chips. These are special for AI graphics processors from Nvidia. SK Hynix is doing the same. They supply to big AI firms. Micron, based in the US, is also shifting focus. All three are cutting back on consumer-grade memory to chase higher profits from AI.
This shift happened because AI demand exploded. In 2025, AI chatbots and tools became common. Data centers needed more power to handle them. Silicon wafers, the base for chips, are now mostly used for AI parts. This leaves a gap for standard memory modules. Suppliers have low inventory. They can’t ship enough to meet all needs. Production depends on expanding factories, but that takes time.
Consumers should think about buying now. Reports suggest prices will stay high throughout 2026. If you wait, a new smartphones might cost hundreds more. The same goes for laptops. Experts from Consumer Reports advise grabbing deals before the full hike hits. Some say the shortage is like nothing before. It’s driven by AI’s rapid growth.
What about solutions? Chip makers could build more factories. But this costs billions and takes years. Governments might step in with subsidies. The US and Europe are already pushing for more local production. Still, it won’t fix things quick. In the short term, prices will rise. This could push innovation in other ways. Maybe devices will use less memory or find new tech.
The smartphones market might change a lot. Android phones could stick with older specs to keep costs down. iPhones might add premium prices for better AI features. But for average buyers, it’s bad news. Laptops for work or school will feel the pinch too. Gaming laptops, which need lots of RAM, could see even bigger increases.
Looking ahead, 2026 could be a tough year for tech buyers. The AI revolution is great for progress in smartphones and laptops . But it comes at a cost. Memory chips are the bottleneck now. As demand grows, prices follow. Analysts from NPR note that more chips for AI mean fewer for phones and PCs. This could drive up device prices across the board.
In summary, get set for higher bills on smartphones and laptops. AI’s hunger for memory chips is the culprit. With prices possibly up 70%, plan your purchases wisely. This trend shows how AI is reshaping the tech world. It benefits big companies but hits consumers hard. Keep an eye on updates as the year goes on. The full effects will unfold in the coming months.
Experts from BBC predict that everything from smartphones to PCs may get pricier in 2026. They point to the RAM shortage as the key issue. A global crisis in memory supply is here. IDC’s analysis shows impacts on smartphone and PC markets. Rising costs threaten specs and growth. Low-end devices suffer most.
This situation started with AI’s rise. Data centers are scooping up all the RAM. Fast Company explains the chip scramble caused by AI. The shortage will last the year. Stock surges for memory makers show the market’s heat. Ars Technica reports record profits for Samsung and others from high RAM prices.
Buyers need to watch trends. Maybe look for used devices or wait for sales. But with supply tight, deals might be rare. The tech industry must balance AI and consumer needs. Until then, expect smartphones and laptops to cost more. This is the price of progress in the AI age.