RAM price surge may push device costs up in 2026
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, […]