Archive · 16 Dec 2025
RAM Shortage Threatens 16GB Phones, Forces OEM Choices
There's a big problem with making smartphones because there isn't enough RAM, which is a important part that helps phones work fast.
This is happening because big companies like Google and Microsoft are using a lot of RAM to build their AI systems.
Because of this, phone companies might stop making phones with 16GB of RAM and instead make phones with less RAM, like 4GB or 8GB.
This means phones might become more expensive or have less power.
It's like when there's not enough candy in the store, so they stop selling the big bags and only sell small ones, or make the candy more expensive.
RAM shortage driven by AI sector demand is affecting smartphone production.
By 2026, high-end devices with 16GB RAM may no longer be launched.
Memory component prices have increased by 60% in recent months.
OEMs are considering price hikes or reducing hardware specifications.
Rumors suggest a shift towards 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM configurations.
- Who
- Smartphone manufacturers and consumers
- What
- RAM shortage due to AI demand
- When
- Projected to affect the market by 2026
- Where
- Global smartphone market
- Why
- AI sector diverting RAM for data centers
- RAM Shortage Cause
- AI sector demand
- Affected Devices
- Smartphones, particularly 16GB RAM models
- Projected Timeline
- By 2026
- Price Increase
- 60% between September and November 2023
- Potential RAM Configurations
- 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB
- Affected Brands
- Samsung, Apple, iQOO
- Impacted Models
- Samsung Galaxy A series, Apple iPhone 17