AI Boom May Push Laptop and Smartphone Prices Higher in 2026
Industry analysts warn that the accelerating demand for AI-focused memory chips could create a global shortage in 2026, driving up the cost of consumer electronics and affecting automotive production.
Manufacturers Pause Orders Amid Uncertainty
During SMIC’s latest earnings call, CEO Zhao Haijun confirmed that customers are already holding back on placing large semiconductor orders. The hesitation is driven by uncertainty about how much memory will actually be available next year and whether supply will meet the needs of smartphones, laptops, servers, and vehicles.Why Memory Is Becoming a Critical Bottleneck
Chipmakers are diverting manufacturing capacity toward high-margin AI components — including HBM and advanced DRAM used in GPU clusters. As a result, traditional consumer-grade memory receives less priority. Analysts note that this imbalance is already placing strain on the supply chain and may worsen as demand for AI accelerators continues to rise.Impact on Consumer Electronics and Automakers
If the shortage deepens, retail prices for laptops, smartphones, and other electronics could increase in the second half of 2026. Automakers may also face delays in the production of vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, which require large amounts of RAM to operate reliably.Market Outlook for the Next Two Years
Analysts emphasize that market stability will depend on how quickly manufacturers can scale next-generation memory production. However, the current shift toward AI hardware leaves consumer sectors vulnerable. Without rapid expansion of supply, the memory crunch could become a structural issue affecting prices and product availability worldwide.Editorial Team — CoinBotLab