Why Everything From Your Phone to Your PC May Get Pricier in 2026

Consumers could face higher prices for everyday technology in 2026, from smartphones and laptops to televisions and even medical devices, as the cost of a once inexpensive component surges. The sharp rise in the price of RAM is creating pressure across the global tech supply chain, with manufacturers increasingly likely to pass those costs on to buyers.

The sudden rise of a cheap component

Random access memory, commonly known as RAM, has traditionally been one of the cheaper and more stable components used in electronic devices. That stability has now been disrupted. Since October 2025, the price of RAM has more than doubled, catching many manufacturers off guard and reshaping cost calculations across the industry.

RAM is a core part of almost every modern device. It helps smartphones run apps smoothly, allows computers to multitask, and supports smart TVs, gaming consoles, and a wide range of connected products. Because it is so widely used, even modest price increases can ripple through the entire electronics market. The scale of the recent jump, however, is far from modest.

AI data centres drive demand

The main force behind the price surge is the explosive growth of data centres that power artificial intelligence systems. These facilities require enormous amounts of high performance memory to train and operate large AI models. As companies race to expand their AI capabilities, demand for RAM has surged far faster than suppliers can respond.

This has created a classic imbalance between supply and demand. Memory manufacturers cannot instantly expand production, as building and upgrading fabrication facilities takes years and requires massive investment. With AI firms willing to pay premium prices to secure supply, other buyers are being pushed further down the priority list or forced to pay more.

Supply constraints and limited flexibility

Unlike some other components, RAM production is concentrated among a relatively small number of manufacturers. This lack of diversity in supply makes the market more sensitive to sudden shifts in demand. When AI related orders increase rapidly, there are fewer alternative sources available to absorb the shock.

At the same time, producing more RAM is not as simple as running factories harder. Semiconductor manufacturing involves long planning cycles, precise equipment, and complex materials. Even when companies decide to expand capacity, the benefits may not be felt for several years. Until then, prices are likely to remain elevated.

Why consumers will feel the impact

Technology manufacturers often try to absorb small increases in component costs, particularly in competitive markets where price sensitivity is high. However, when costs rise sharply and remain high for an extended period, companies usually have little choice but to pass those increases on to consumers.

RAM is not a minor add on. It is a fundamental part of device performance, and reducing memory to save costs can negatively affect user experience. As a result, manufacturers are more likely to raise prices than to compromise on specifications. This means higher costs could appear across a wide range of products, including phones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices.

Beyond consumer electronics

The impact of rising RAM prices is not limited to gadgets. Many medical devices, industrial systems, and vehicles also rely on memory chips. Higher component costs could therefore affect sectors well beyond consumer technology, potentially increasing costs in healthcare and other critical industries.

Smaller manufacturers may be particularly vulnerable. Large tech firms often have long term supply contracts and greater bargaining power, while smaller companies may face higher prices or supply shortages. This could further concentrate power in the hands of major players and reduce competition over time.

What to expect in 2026

If current trends continue, 2026 could see noticeable price increases across the technology market. Some products may become more expensive directly, while others may offer fewer discounts or slower upgrades. Consumers may notice that devices launched in 2026 cost more than similar models from previous years, even without dramatic design changes.

While future investments in manufacturing could eventually stabilise the market, relief is unlikely to be immediate. For now, the rapid rise of AI infrastructure has reshaped priorities in the semiconductor world, and everyday technology users are set to feel the effects.