Written By | Torch Media Africa
Rams will push the prices of devices up
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Everything from smartphones to personal computers could cost more in 2026 as prices for random access memory (RAM) — once among the cheapest computer components — have surged sharply.
RAM prices have more than doubled since October 2025, driven largely by explosive demand from data centres that power artificial intelligence (AI). The imbalance between soaring demand and limited supply is pushing costs higher across the tech industry.
Manufacturers often absorb minor cost increases, but industry players say the current spike is too large to ignore. “We are being quoted costs around 500% higher than just a couple of months ago,” said Steve Mason, general manager of computer maker CyberPowerPC. “There will come a point where manufacturers are forced to make decisions about pricing.”
RAM is a critical component used in nearly all electronic devices, from laptops and phones to smart TVs and medical equipment. With memory prices rising across the board, manufacturers are increasingly likely to pass those costs on to consumers.
Danny Williams of PCSpecialist said price increases are expected to continue “well into 2026,” warning that sustained high prices could eventually dampen consumer demand.
Industry experts say AI is the main driver. “There’s been a surge in demand for memory chips, particularly the high-end memory required for AI,” said Chris Miller, author of Chip War. That demand is rippling through the wider memory market.
Mike Howard of Tech Insights said cloud giants such as Amazon and Google have locked in massive memory requirements for 2026 and 2027, while supply is struggling to keep pace. “Suppliers have steadily pushed prices upward, in some cases aggressively,” he said.
Memory now accounts for as much as 30–40% of a PC’s total manufacturing cost, up from around 20%, Howard added, leaving manufacturers with little room to absorb the increases.
A typical laptop with 16GB of RAM could cost $40–$50 more to make in 2026, while smartphone production costs could rise by about $30 — increases likely to be passed on to buyers.
With prices climbing, consumers may face a choice: pay more, opt for less powerful devices, or hold on to existing tech for longer.
Torch Media Africa
