According to the International Data Corporation, a persistent global memory shortage is expected to drive up prices for smartphones and PCs until at least 2027. The scarcity of RAM has led to significant price hikes, affecting not just PC gamers but also smartphone manufacturers. Major memory producers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are prioritizing AI companies, resulting in a squeeze on memory supply for consumer devices.
Smartphone prices are particularly vulnerable to rising RAM costs, forcing manufacturers to either increase prices, reduce specifications, or a combination of both. Budget-friendly brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo will likely pass these cost increases on to consumers due to limited options for cost-saving measures. In contrast, companies like Samsung and Apple, with advanced supply chain strategies, may experience less impact on pricing for their flagship devices.
As the industry grapples with memory scarcity, consumers can expect a 3 to 5 percent rise in smartphone prices under a moderate scenario, potentially reaching 6 to 8 percent. The ongoing RAM shortage signals a shift from an era of affordable memory and storage, impacting the pricing and specifications of devices across the tech landscape.
Source: The Verge
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