Rising Memory Prices Threaten PC and Smartphone Shipments in 2026, IDC Reports
IDC warns that soaring memory costs driven by AI-focused demand could reduce global PC shipments by nearly 9% and push up laptop and smartphone prices in 2026.
1/2/20262 min read
The global PC industry is facing mounting challenges as demand for AI-focused memory drives up costs, according to a recent report by the International Data Corporation (IDC). Rising memory prices are threatening to slow down shipments and could result in higher prices for consumers.
IDC warns that under its worst-case scenario, worldwide PC shipments could fall by as much as 8.9% in 2026 due to the ongoing memory shortage. This pressure has already forced at least one consumer RAM brand to leave the market, signaling potential difficulties ahead for other manufacturers.
Shift to AI-Optimized Memory
Major memory producers are now prioritizing high-bandwidth and high-capacity DDR5 memory designed for AI data centers, rather than conventional DRAM and NAND used in PCs, smartphones, and other devices. This shift has reduced the availability of PC-grade RAM and pushed prices upward.
As a result, PC makers are starting to pass these increased costs on to consumers. Framework, a modular PC company, has already raised prices on certain laptops and components and anticipates further increases in the months ahead. IDC estimates that RAM prices could climb 6% to 8% in 2026.
AI PCs Add to Market Pressure
The rise of AI-powered PCs, which include specialized neural processing units for running AI applications locally, has coincided with this memory crunch. While these systems were expected to revive the PC market after pandemic-era slowdowns, their high memory requirements make them more vulnerable to rising RAM costs.
Impact on Smartphones
The memory shortage is not limited to PCs. IDC predicts that smartphone prices could also increase by 6% to 8%, with global smartphone shipments potentially falling by up to 5.2%.
Large Companies Better Positioned
Companies like Apple and Samsung are in a stronger position to manage these price increases, thanks to robust cash reserves and long-term supply agreements. Smaller manufacturers, however, may face higher costs and fewer opportunities for innovation as memory prices remain elevated.
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