Smartphones to Get Pricier: AI Boom Causes Global RAM Shortage & Price Hikes

• Global AI demand is causing a severe shortage of high-quality RAM, impacting smartphone production.
• Memory manufacturers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are prioritizing AI and enterprise clients due to higher profit margins.
• RAM prices have already doubled, leading some companies to subtly increase phone prices or reduce higher-RAM model availability.
• Experts predict flagship phones could become 7-10% more expensive after 2026, with mid-range and budget segments also affected.
• To manage costs, future budget/mid-range phones might offer less RAM, making 8GB the new standard.

Why It Matters: Smartphones will likely become more expensive due to AI-driven RAM shortages, impacting all segments.