Goldman Sachs projects that AI hyperscalers will spend $750 billion in 2026 and $1 trillion in 2027.
Samsung Electronics reported second-quarter revenue of approximately $117 billion, noting that its net profit multiplied 14-fold year-over-year. During this period, DRAM contract prices increased by as much as 89%.
Rise in DRAM contract prices during the second quarter of 2026
Apple increased prices for its laptops and iPads by 15% to 25% last month. Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that memory prices will continue to rise.
Microsoft has increased the price of its Xbox starter model by $100, citing memory chip costs. In Hong Kong, Ken Tam, manager of Videocom Computer, stated that 16 gigabytes of RAM now costs HK$1,500, up from HK$300–400.
TrendForce analyst Ellie Wang stated that memory prices for PCs and smartphones are five to six times higher than they were a year ago. Meanwhile, Counterpoint Research reported that global smartphone shipments fell 11% year-over-year in the second quarter, reaching their lowest level in 13 years.
Projected Supply Shortages
We are continuing to increase production, but demand is growing even faster.
Samsung Electronics' chief financial officer stated that microchip shortages are likely to deepen in 2027 and remain tight through 2028.
In the memory market, ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) became mainland China's most valuable company following its market debut on the Shanghai exchange.
