The memory crisis is just beginning: Samsung prepares another price hike, laptops and smartphones to rise again

Semiconductor manufacturers continue to raise the cost of memory. According to sources in the supply chain, Samsung is negotiating a DRAM price increase of as much as 20% in the third quarter of 2026. This would be the third major price hike this year.

How much prices have already risen

Earlier in 2026, DRAM prices already increased significantly: by more than 90% in the first quarter and about 50% in the second. Analysts warn that cheap memory should not be expected in the coming years.

The main reason is the enormous demand for high-speed HBM memory for artificial intelligence systems. Manufacturers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, are actively shifting production capacity to chips for AI servers, leading to a reduction in regular DRAM volumes for consumer electronics.

The market's "new normal"

Lenovo has already called the current situation the "new normal" and noted that memory prices may not return to previous levels until the end of the decade. TrendForce analysts have expressed a similar view.

Samsung is also intensifying its focus on AI. According to rumors, the company is in talks to collaborate with Anthropic on specialized AI chips. This means that production priority for data center memory will remain for a long time.

Consequences for buyers

The rising cost of components will inevitably affect the final price of devices. Apple is already gradually passing on increased costs to consumers. In the second half of 2026, price increases are expected for gaming laptops, smartphones, and other electronics.

Experts predict that such price hikes could even lead to a decline in global smartphone sales, as manufacturers will have to revise their pricing policies for new models.

In brief

Samsung is preparing another DRAM price increase — by 20% in the third quarter of 2026. This would be the third major hike this year. The reason is high demand for AI server memory and the reallocation of production capacity. Analysts warn that cheap memory is not expected in the coming years. As a result, laptops, smartphones, and other electronics will continue to rise in price, which could negatively affect sales in the second half of the year.