The cost of many everyday electronic devices could rise in 2026, driven by a sharp increase in the price of RAM, a core component used in almost all modern technology.
Once considered one of the cheapest parts in a computer, RAM prices have surged dramatically since October 2025, in some cases more than doubling. The main driver is the rapid expansion of data centres that support artificial intelligence, which require vast amounts of memory to operate. This has created a significant imbalance between global supply and demand.
RAM is essential for running smartphones, laptops, smart TVs and even medical equipment. As demand from the AI sector grows, manufacturers across the tech industry are facing much higher component costs.
While companies sometimes absorb minor increases, industry experts say the current scale of the rise is too large to ignore. Steve Mason, general manager of computer manufacturer CyberPowerPC, said his company has received quotes that are several times higher than just months ago. He warned that manufacturers may soon have no choice but to adjust their prices.
Any product that relies on memory or storage could be affected, he said, leaving both producers and consumers facing difficult decisions.
RAM, or random access memory, temporarily stores data while a device is in use and is critical to its performance. Because it is used so widely, rising prices are expected to have a broad impact. Danny Williams, from PC builder PCSpecialist, believes the pressure will continue well into 2026 and potentially beyond.
Some suppliers have managed price increases more gradually due to larger stockpiles, but others with limited inventory have raised prices far more aggressively. According to industry observers, artificial intelligence is the single biggest factor behind the surge.
Chris Miller, author of Chip War, explained that high-end memory required for AI systems has pushed up prices across the entire memory market. He noted that memory prices are highly sensitive to shifts in supply and demand, and demand is currently at exceptional levels.
Mike Howard from Tech Insights added that major cloud companies have already set their memory requirements for the coming years. These projections show demand far outstripping supply, giving memory manufacturers confidence to raise prices. In some cases, suppliers have even stopped issuing price quotes altogether, signalling expectations of further increases.
Memory now represents a much larger share of the total cost of devices such as PCs, rising from around 15–20% to as much as 40% in some cases. With limited margins, manufacturers are unlikely to absorb these costs without passing them on.
Looking ahead, industry leaders expect pricing and supply challenges to persist through 2026 and into 2027. Some companies are already shifting focus away from consumer markets. In December, Micron announced it would stop selling consumer memory under its Crucial brand to prioritise AI demand.
Experts estimate that the manufacturing cost of a standard laptop could rise by $40 to $50 next year, while smartphones could see cost increases of around $30. These increases are expected to reach consumers directly.
As a result, buyers may face higher prices, opt for lower-performance devices, or hold on to their existing technology for longer.
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