Thinking about getting a new laptop or game console soon? Prepare to pay more. The explanation behind the price increase points to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence. Data centers have driven massive demand for memory, a crucial hardware component for processing information quickly.

While this reality is positive for memory manufacturers like Micron, Samsung and SK Hynix, it presents a considerable challenge for consumers.

Chipmakers are struggling to produce enough memory for both giant data centers and consumer electronic devices. This competition resulted in a shortage that increased the value of products from renowned brands such as Apple, Microsoft and Nintendo, among others.

Experts warn that there is no short-term solution in sight. The shortage is expected to persist until at least 2028 as large memory companies work to build new factories. Even so, some analysts do not foresee a return to pre-crisis prices.

Asha Sharma, CEO of Microsoft’s Xbox division, recently described the memory shortage as “the most severe hardware crisis in history” in an email sent to employees that announced layoffs and structural changes. This panorama highlights the unprecedented intensity of the impact of artificial intelligence on the components market and, consequently, on the consumer’s pocket, making the current situation more serious than other technological deficiencies of the past.

Products that become more expensive with memory shortages

Price increases appear to hit video game consoles, tablets and laptops the hardest. The PlayStation 5, the Nintendo Switch 2, the Valve Steam Deck and a number of Apple products including iPad and MacBook models have seen their values ​​rise in recent months. Microsoft, for example, announced plans to increase Xbox prices starting in August.

This trend should significantly impact sales of smartphones and laptops, according to analysts. The International Data Corporation (IDC) projects an 11.3% drop in global PC shipments in 2026, while the smartphone industry is expected to record its steepest annual decline.

However, not all technological products will be affected. Devices like smartwatches and wireless headphones, for example, don’t rely on large amounts of memory.

For other higher-value items, the picture is mixed: prices will continue to rise, but the biggest increases may have already happened.

“The biggest price jump has happened now,” said Jitesh Ubrani, director of consumer device research at IDC. “They will continue to rise at a slower pace going forward, but they are still on the rise.”

Tips for dealing with rising electronics prices

Some experts suggest buying now before prices rise further. Even if memory component values ​​decline, Mike Howard, vice president of memory coverage at research firm TechInsights, indicates it will take at least a year for these changes to reach consumers.

However, the decision also depends on the product, as many technology companies typically release new devices in the fall, ahead of the holiday shopping rush. For example, it may not be advantageous to pay more for an iPad if Apple is about to release a new version.

• Apple Products: iPhones in September, iPads and Macs in March or October
• Samsung Galaxy cell phones: First quarter of the year
• Google Pixel cell phones: August
• Laptops from various companies: January or June

Apple hasn’t raised iPhone prices, but Howard estimates the company would likely have to increase the prices of its smartphones by about $250 to $300 to maintain its profit margins.

“We should start thinking about a $1,500 iPhone rather than a $1,000 or $1,200 iPhone,” he said.

Those looking to avoid current price increases can explore the second-hand market. Amazon, Apple, Samsung and other technology retailers offer certified, refurbished or refurbished product programs that sell pre-owned items at a discount. Companies state on their websites that products are inspected and tested before being resold.

“These are mostly new items that have been returned,” explained Gadjo Sevilla, technology and AI analyst at eMarketer. He added that the performance of refurbished gadgets generally doesn’t differ much from new devices.

However, consumers should be cautious when purchasing a used device that is several generations behind to avoid the need for another upgrade in the short term.

There are often many relatively new devices available through refurbishment programs, as retailers and carriers encourage consumers to trade in their devices for discounts on newer models.

Consumers may also consider purchasing more cloud storage or replacing the battery instead of purchasing a new phone.

It’s unclear exactly when the memory shortage will be resolved, especially since the process of getting new factories up and running is complex and takes years.

And the industry is already moving as fast as it can, according to Howard.

“It’s not a simple process, I think everyone realizes that now,” he said. “It’s super complicated. This is the most complex manufacturing on the planet.”