RAM Prices Surge, Phones Could Lose Some Specs in 2026
If you’re eyeing a new phone next year, you might want to pause a moment. A growing inflation in memory prices is hinting at tougher times for phone makers. Reports say this could push prices up and chips down, starting early in 2026.
Korean leaker Lanzuk reposted on a popular blog, suggesting the shift will hit both price and power. The story says phones with 16GB of storage could largely disappear, with only a few exceptions. The effect on 12GB RAM models looks similar, dropping by more than 40%. Base models may settle at 6GB or 8GB RAM.
Even with those changes, the drop is steeper for 8GB RAM variants. Some brands may trim Phone specs to keep prices in check. The result could be fewer high-end options at a time when buyers expect solid performance.
What’s driving this jump in costs? The short answer is AI boom.
The AI boom has many firms rushing to add smart features. This creates more demand for AI data centers. Those centers need huge amounts of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and big enterprise SSDs. Suppliers haven’t kept up, which pushes prices higher.
To meet big buyers’ needs, RAM makers are shifting some consumer DRAM lines toward HBM. That move cuts available DRAM for phones and also affects NAND memory used in devices. In short, phone makers face a tighter supply of key memory parts.
It isn’t clear how top brands will handle the squeeze. Apple and Samsung may be able to weather higher costs, but all phone makers will face a choice. They could raise prices, or cut Phone specs on new models arriving in 2026. Either option hits users, depending on how a company toes the line.
Android Authority notes this shift touches more than just phones. RAM and storage power many products, including cars. Cars with big screens and connected tech rely on solid memory. If suppliers focus on AI kits and data centers, your car’s bend of tech could feel the impact too.
In practical terms, this means a few things for shoppers and fans. If you want the freshest phone in 2026, you might see higher sticker prices. You could also see fewer models with large RAM or storage from the start. The trade-off may come as better efficiency or other upgrades that don’t rely as heavily on memory.
For gamers and power users, the story matters in two ways. First, games and apps that demand quick memory access could push some devices down the ladder faster than expected. Second, long-term plans for devices may require more careful budgeting. You may find it worth waiting for early 2026 reviews before snapping up a new phone.
Beyond phones, other tech spheres feel the same squeeze. Computers and wearables that rely on memory could see slower launches or fewer options at the midrange level. Auto tech with big displays and connected services may also see tighter choices, as automakers rely on memory to keep smart features responsive.
If you’re unsure about buying soon, here are a few practical tips. Look at models that offer expandable storage where possible. Compare options with different RAM configurations to see what fits your needs. Check how software updates affect memory use, since some updates can shift the balance of RAM demand.
Staying flexible helps. You might choose a phone with a primary emphasis on battery life or camera features, and accept a smaller memory base. Or you could wait a bit to see how the market settles in early 2026. Either path can keep you from paying more for less.
One thing is clear: the AI boom reshapes memory supply fast. It isn’t just about phones. The whole tech world runs on memory, and a squeeze now means changes across products. Shoppers should keep an eye on pricing and feature lists as the new year nears. Staying informed helps you snag value when the market steadies.
As always, the landscape can shift with new data from memory suppliers and device makers. The memory market moves quickly, and price trends can swing with changes in supply and demand. If you plan ahead, you’ll be ready when the 2026 cycle arrives and pricing begins to settle.
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