Global RAM shortage warning for 2026
Analysts are forecasting a 2026 global RAM shortage that will push up prices and reduce specs across phones, laptops, and gaming hardware — startups should expect hardware and procurement headwinds. (devx.com)
Hyperscalers and cloud AI buyers have pre-booked advanced-memory wafers, with SK hynix reporting DRAM, NAND and HBM capacity sold out well into 2026. (techspot.com) Gartner forecasts a 130% surge in combined DRAM and SSD prices by the end of 2026 and projects PC prices to rise about 17% and smartphone prices about 13% compared with 2025. (gartner.com) TrendForce revised its 1Q26 DRAM contract-price outlook to show a record quarter-on-quarter increase — roughly 90–95% QoQ — as cloud procurement outpaced available supply. (softwareseni.com) Memory manufacturers are reallocating capital and fabs toward high‑bandwidth memory for AI, with industry reporting that major vendors’ 2026 capex is concentrated on HBM and related server products rather than expanding consumer DRAM bit output. (tomshardware.com) Procurement signals already show lead times stretched and premium pricing: large DRAM orders have experienced lead times beyond 40 weeks and IT buyers were advised to budget for a 30–60% uplift in H1 2026 pricing versus January baselines. (blog.shi.com) Market forecasters and research houses now view 2026 as an AI‑driven “memory supercycle,” with Bank of America and others forecasting double‑digit DRAM revenue growth in 2026 and analysts warning that material relief is unlikely before late 2027. (news.skhynix.com)
