Tech Device Prices Expected to Rise in 2026 Due to Surging RAM Costs
The cost of smartphones, PCs, smart TVs, and other electronic devices is projected to increase in 2026 due to a dramatic surge in the price of RAM, a crucial computer component. According to reports from BBC Technology and BBC Business, the price of RAM has more than doubled since October 2025.
The primary driver behind this price hike is the rapid expansion of data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI). These data centers require significant amounts of RAM, creating a supply and demand imbalance that is impacting the entire technology industry.
Manufacturers often absorb minor cost increases, but the magnitude of the RAM price surge is likely to be passed on to consumers. "We are being quoted costs around..." according to BBC Technology and BBC Business.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, joined her parents at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, marking her first public appearance at the mausoleum and reinforcing speculation about her potential succession. This visit, alongside increasingly prominent state media appearances, suggests a formalization of her role as the next leader of North Korea, according to analysts and South Korean intelligence.
Experts suggest that the US's $2 billion aid package, while seemingly generous, may force the UN to prioritize Washington's political interests due to stringent demands for fund management and allocation. This shift could reshape the humanitarian aid system, potentially diminishing its flexibility and independence amid recent budget cuts.
Archaeologists have unearthed a 9,500-year-old cremation pyre in Malawi, offering unprecedented insight into the funerary rituals of ancient African hunter-gatherers. The discovery, containing the remains of an adult woman, represents the oldest confirmed intentional cremation in Africa and suggests complex social practices existed much earlier than previously understood.
The energy price cap in England, Scotland, and Wales has seen a slight increase of 0.2% for variable tariffs, translating to an approximate £3 annual rise for average households as temperatures drop. While campaigners express concerns about high winter energy costs, upcoming budget changes are expected to lower energy expenses starting in April, offering potential relief to consumers.
Multiple news sources report that the FTSE 100, driven by strong performances in sectors like mining, defense, and banking, reached a record high of 10,000 points on the first trading day of the year, marking a significant milestone for the index. This represents a more than 21% increase from the previous year, benefiting investors, though the index's performance isn't a direct reflection of the UK economy.
Multiple news sources report that the UK's tax authority (HMRC) has implemented new rules requiring cryptocurrency exchanges to automatically share user account details to ensure proper tax payments on crypto transactions, including capital gains. This move aims to address concerns about tax non-compliance among crypto investors and potentially collect millions in unpaid taxes, while the financial watchdog considers further regulations to prevent issues like insider trading.
The defense sector is facing a critical skills shortage, particularly in STEM fields like AI, cyber, and engineering, potentially hindering the UK's defense modernization plans and ability to meet evolving geopolitical challenges. This gap stems from factors like ethical concerns about working on lethal technology and competition from other industries for talent, requiring the government and industry to address both traditional craft skills and emerging digital expertise.
Multiple sources indicate that the cost of devices like phones and PCs may increase in 2026 due to a significant surge in RAM prices, which have more than doubled since October 2025. This price hike is attributed to high demand from data centers powering AI, creating a supply imbalance that manufacturers will likely pass on to consumers.
A tragic incident in Indore, India, highlights the critical need for robust water infrastructure and purification. Contaminated tap water, resulting from a suspected pipeline leak causing sewage contamination, has led to a diarrhea outbreak and several deaths, prompting investigations and raising concerns about public health and safety in the region.
Donald Trump disclosed taking a daily 325mg aspirin dose, exceeding the 81mg often recommended by physicians for potential cardiovascular benefits like blood thinning. While some doctors may suggest low-dose aspirin for certain individuals to prevent heart issues, exceeding this amount can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, highlighting the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to determine appropriate and safe dosages.
Multiple news sources report that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is backing a petition signed by approximately 60 female lawmakers to increase the number of women's restrooms in Japan's parliament building, following a record number of women elected to the Lower House in October 2024. This initiative addresses concerns about inadequate restroom access for female members, staff, and visitors due to long queues and a disproportionate number of facilities compared to men's restrooms.
Multiple news sources report that a migrant boat carrying approximately 200 people capsized off the coast of The Gambia while en route to Spain's Canary Islands, resulting in at least seven deaths and many missing, prompting a search and rescue operation by the Gambian Navy and local fishermen. This incident underscores the increasing and dangerous trend of African migrants attempting the Atlantic crossing to Europe, driven by socio-economic factors, with thousands perishing annually.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment