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17h ago

IDC Warns PC and Phone Prices to Rise in 2026 as Memory Crunch Deepens

AI datacenter demand is diverting capacity to high-bandwidth memory, tightening consumer DRAM and NAND.

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The cost of memory chips — a key component in nearly every modern device — is surging as artificial intelligence devours global supply, pushing prices higher for everything from laptops to smartphones. Analysts warn consumers may soon feel the impact at checkout.
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Overview

  • IDC projects average selling prices to increase in 2026, with phones up 3–5% in a moderate case or 6–8% in a pessimistic one, and PCs up 4–6% or as much as 8% under the same scenarios.
  • Dell and Lenovo have flagged price adjustments of up to 15% and contract resets, and some system builders now offer pre-built PCs without RAM while Framework halted standalone RAM sales.
  • TechInsights reports wafers are being redirected to HBM and server-class parts, leaving less capacity for consumer DRAM as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron prioritize higher-margin AI products.
  • TrendForce notes spot DRAM prices have nearly tripled since 2024 with DDR5 up more than 300% since September 2024, and Morgan Stanley cites NAND contract prices rising 20–30% in Q4 2025.
  • IDC and industry analysts see tight supply persisting into 2027, with PC shipments now modeled to decline by 4.9% in a moderate case or 8.9% in a pessimistic one as Micron exits its Crucial consumer RAM line to focus on AI customers.