How AI Memory Demand Is Impacting PC and Smartphone Prices is becoming a critical concern for consumers and manufacturers alike. Rising AI infrastructure demand is pushing DRAM and NAND memory prices higher. This memory price inflation is affecting PC shipments and smartphone prices, causing strain across the consumer electronics supply chain.
Major memory manufacturers are shifting production priorities toward AI data centers. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) and DDR5 RAM are now in high demand, leaving less memory available for conventional PCs and smartphones. Framework, a modular PC maker, has already raised laptop component prices, and further increases are likely.
The IDC reports that global PC shipments could decline by 8.9% in 2026 due to this memory crunch. AI PCs, equipped with neural processing units (NPUs), require more high-capacity memory, adding to the cost impact on PC and smartphone markets. Smartphones are also affected, with prices projected to rise by 6–8%, while global shipments may drop by 5.2%.
Large companies such as Apple and Samsung are better positioned to handle rising memory prices because of strong cash reserves and long-term supply agreements. Smaller manufacturers face innovation limitations, as higher costs reduce their ability to experiment with new products. The post-pandemic PC market recovery may slow, and consumer-facing RAM brands could further tighten the memory supply.
In conclusion, how AI Memory Demand Is Impacting PC and Smartphone Prices is not just a short-term issue. It reflects shifting production priorities, market strain, and a 2026 tech industry forecast that warns of higher costs. Consumers should expect price adjustments, especially in AI-focused computing devices.
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How AI memory demand is impacting PC and smartphone prices, with DRAM shortages causing cost rises and supply strain in 2026.
