Beyond Smartphones: PC Prices Could Rise in 2026 Amid Global Memory Shortages

oi
-Carlsen Martin

Published: Monday, December 22, 2025, 12:35 [IST]

Buying or building a new PC in 2026 could become noticeably more expensive. According to fresh forecasts from IDC, the global PC market may face price hikes next year due to an emerging shortage of memory components.

Smartphone prices are also rising amid this RAM shortage, as manufacturers scramble to secure limited DRAM supplies for flagship models and mid-range devices alike. The crunch could add 10-15% to costs for high-end phones, delaying launches and forcing compromises on memory specs to meet demand.

Memory “supercycle” Drives Rising Costs

IDC points to the start of a new memory “supercycle,” where demand for DRAM and related components is accelerating faster than supply. The surge is being driven by AI servers, AI-capable PCs, and a large wave of upgrades as Windows 10 approaches the end of official support. Memory prices are already climbing, and further increases are expected as supply struggles to keep pace.

Impact Beyond PCs

The effects may not be limited to desktops and laptops. Graphics cards, smartphones, and gaming handhelds are also expected to feel the pressure, as all rely heavily on the same memory supply chain.

PC Makers Brace for Tougher Conditions

Major PC brands such as Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer, and ASUS have reportedly warned partners about challenging market conditions. Some suppliers are said to be planning price increases of around 15-20% from the second half of 2026, along with tighter supply agreements.

Shipments Expected to Decline

IDC forecasts global PC shipments could fall by about 4.9% in 2026. If memory shortages worsen, the decline may be sharper. Large OEMs may cope better due to scale advantages and bundled pricing, while custom PC builders are likely to face higher component costs more directly.

AI PCs Could also be Affected

The memory crunch may slow the rollout of AI PCs. Features tied to Microsoft Copilot+ typically require higher memory configurations, and tight supplies could force manufacturers to ship systems with reduced RAM.

What this Means for Buyers

With memory production increasingly prioritised for higher-margin AI servers, consumers may ultimately pay more. For buyers planning a PC upgrade, the message is clear: upgrading sooner rather than later could help avoid higher prices in 2026.

In summary, the impending memory supercycle signals tougher times ahead for tech buyers across PCs, smartphones, and beyond. Acting now on upgrades could shield you from the full brunt of these supply-driven price surges.