It may have gone unnoticed by many, but a major crisis has been brewing in the RAM market in recent months. And as is often the case with these types of key components, by the time the problem becomes visible to the end consumer… it's already too late.
In just six months, RAM prices have quadrupled. And according to industry analysts, this trend will not only continue but could extend into 2026. This isn't a temporary increase: it's a structural shift.
The main cause of this price hike is clear: the explosive growth of data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence. AI is absorbing everything.
Modern AI models require enormous amounts of RAM to train and run—much more than traditional systems. And each new data center built absorbs massive volumes of memory, leaving less supply for the rest of the market.
And this isn't just a passing trend. The demand for AI isn't going to decrease; quite the opposite. And for everyday users, RAM is key in both mobile phones and computers.
RAM is one of the most important components of any electronic device. Today, we take it for granted that a mid-range phone has 6 or 8 GB of RAM, but that could soon change.
If memory continues to become more expensive, manufacturers only have two options: raise prices or reduce the amount of RAM in their devices. And neither is good for the user.
Without RAM, there's no modern experience. RAM is what makes a phone truly practical. Thanks to it, today a mid-range device can:
. Enhance photos through internal processing
. Run small local AI models
. Use Google Maps while other apps remain open
. Offer smooth gameplay and true multitasking
More memory means more speed, more stability, and less frustration. Reducing RAM is a step backward, even if the processor is powerful.
Some analysts are already warning of a less than appealing scenario: 2026 smartphones could be more expensive or worse than current models.
This breaks a historical trend in the sector, where each year we got more for the same price. The pressure of AI on RAM threatens to reverse that trend.
Each user will have to decide what to do. But it's not unreasonable to think that speeding up a purchase could be a good idea if you need to upgrade your device in the short term.
Because when such a basic component faces a crisis, the impact is felt throughout the entire ecosystem. The RAM crisis is quiet, but its effects will be felt, and possibly significantly.
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