Smartphones, PCs to Cost More by 2026: AI Demand Reshapes Memory Market

• AI data centers' high memory demand is causing a structural shift in the semiconductor industry, impacting consumer devices.
• Memory makers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron prioritize high-margin HBM/DDR5 for AI over LPDDR/NAND for phones/laptops.
• Smartphones, especially mid-range Androids, face price hikes or spec cuts; IDC predicts shrinking volumes and rising ASPs by 2026.
• PCs face a tougher collision with Windows 10 refresh and AI PC push, leading to 15-20% price hikes from Lenovo, Dell, HP.
• This is a long-term shift; the era of rising specs at falling prices for consumer tech is on pause, making devices more expensive.

Why It Matters: AI's insatiable memory demand will make smartphones and PCs significantly more expensive by 2026.