RAMmageddon Memory Crisis May Hit PC And Phone Specs Hard

The ongoing memory shortage and resulting price hikes continue to impact various markets, and according to TrendForce, smartphone, notebook, and console manufacturers, are about to react. The impact won't simply trigger price increases in existing products, either—rather, new devices are expected to compromise on other specifications as well in order to hit target price point. When not possible, or extremely difficult to alter specifications, like with ultrabooks or game consoles using pre-soldered RAM, flat price increases will be more likely.

For consumers who aren't able to invest in the PCs, phones, or consoles before the end of the year, pricing is about to get a whole lot worse. Besides price increases on existing PC/smartphone models and lowering RAM or other specifications of models yet to be introduced, TrendForce also expects the RAM shortage to limit console shipments in 2026. The late-life price decreases we normally expect ...