Price Hikes Expected for Phones, PCs in 2026 Due to Rising RAM Costs
The cost of consumer electronics, including smartphones and PCs, is projected to increase in 2026 due to a significant surge in the price of RAM, a crucial component in these devices. According to reports from BBC Technology and BBC Business, the price of RAM has more than doubled since October 2025.
The surge in RAM prices is attributed to the rapid expansion of data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI). These data centers require substantial amounts of RAM, creating a supply and demand imbalance that is driving up costs.
Manufacturers often absorb minor cost increases, but the magnitude of the RAM price hike is likely to be passed on to consumers. The increased cost of RAM affects a wide range of devices, from smartphones and smart TVs to medical equipment.
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