The global memory shortage is creating problems across the tech world, but it seems like it is not stopping smartphone makers from adding more RAM to new devices.
The current DRAM shortage is expected to last “until next year” and could continue causing issues through 2027.
Overall memory demand could grow by about 23 percent in 2026.
The global memory shortage is creating problems across the tech world, but it seems like it is not stopping smartphone makers from adding more RAM to new devices. A new report suggests that future phones will likely ship with higher memory amounts, even as supplies remain tight and prices increase.
SurveyArtificial intelligence is a major reason for today’s memory crunch. AI features need large amounts of RAM to work smoothly, especially when tasks are handled directly on a device instead of in the cloud. As more companies push AI into everyday products, demand for memory has grown faster than manufacturers can keep up with.
According to a report from Korean outlet ETNews, the current DRAM shortage is expected to last “until next year” and could continue causing issues through 2027. The main problem is limited production capacity. Major chip makers are not increasing output fast enough to meet rising needs.
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Samsung, one of the world’s largest memory producers, is expanding production but is focusing more on high-bandwidth memory. This type of memory is mainly used in powerful servers and large AI systems, not in consumer devices like phones. At the same time, Chinese company CXMT is also growing its memory production, but its supply is aimed mostly at China, not the global market. This means worldwide shortages are likely to remain.
Estimates suggest overall memory demand could grow by about 23 percent in 2026, reports 9To5Google. Data centers are expected to increase their memory use by around 25 percent, while automobiles may jump by 36 percent. Smartphones are also part of this trend, with memory per device projected to rise by roughly 16 percent. PCs are said to be close behind with a 15 percent increase.
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For consumers, this could mean noticeable changes in future phones. Many high-end models may move from 8GB or 12GB of RAM to up to 16GB, the report states. Cheaper phones may also shift away from 4GB setups and instead offer 6GB or 8GB. This increase is closely linked to the push for on-device AI. Some brands are already doing this. Google, for example, has been adding more RAM to Pixel phones than rivals at similar prices to support its AI tools.
However, with memory prices jumping due to shortages, adding more RAM could also make future smartphones more expensive.
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Ayushi Jain
Ayushi works as Chief Copy Editor at Digit, covering everything from breaking tech news to in-depth smartphone reviews. Prior to Digit, she was part of the editorial team at IANS. View Full Profile
