Samsung Says the Memory Crisis Will Get Worse, so You Have Two Choices
Earlier this month, Nikkei Asia reported that the ongoing memory crisis was not slowing down anytime soon. RAM supply is currently in extreme demand, as AI companies are scooping up the hardware to power their ever-growing data centers. Unfortunately, there are only so many memory manufacturers in the world, and only so many resources available to actually manufacture those chips. There are really only three key players—SK Hynix, Micron Technology, and Samsung—and while all are ramping up production as much as possible, it doesn't appear to be enough to meet demands for the immediate future.
Samsung can't meet memory demand this year
Now, Samsung is officially confirming as much. During a post-earnings call this week, Samsung memory chip business executive Kim Jaejune said, "Our supply falls far short of customer demand...based solely on the demand currently received for 2027, the supply-to-demand gap for 2027 is set to widen even further in 2026." This affirms much of the Nikkei Asia report, namely that Samsung cannot keep up with the current level of demand, and that it expects that reality to continue throughout the next year.
It's important to note that these companies are not necessarily trying to boost the production of consumer-grade RAM components; rather, AI companies are looking for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to run their power-hungry processes. But without the HBM supply to meet demand, companies will continue purchasing typical RAM hardware—putting on a strain on the consumer market. Samsung says it expects its HBM revenue to more than triple in 2026 compared to 2025.
Even if you don't buy RAM itself, many of the products you do purchase are affected by this memory crisis. If a device runs on some type of computer, it almost assuredly needs RAM to function. As such, products including smartphones, computers, fitness trackers, cars, smart home devices, audio equipment, and more will all feel the squeeze—and may increase in price as a result.
You have two choices to weather the memory crisis
As all signs now point to an unavoidable memory crisis, you have two choices you can make as a consumer to weather the storm. The first? If you need a new device, buy one now—and on discount, if you can help it. Based on the reports over the past month, there is little reason to expect tech prices to come down, so don't expect big players to offer their latest devices for less than previous offerings.
That doesn't mean you need to pay an inflated price tag, however. Perhaps the best way to shop for new tech is to shop for used tech. Check the refurbished and renewed sections of stores like Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart—so long as the device meets certain cosmetic qualifications (and work as they should, of course), you can get something that feels new without paying a 2026 price. You can also take advantage of some companies' education discounts, even if you aren't a student or teacher. Apple will take a good chunk off a new MacBook if you go through its Education Store.
If your existing tech still works, however, I'd point you to option number two: hold on tight, and don't let go. If you don't need a new computer, phone, smartwatch, what have you, don't spend your money yet—especially if you can see that device lasting another year or more. There are things you can do to make your aging tech feel new—or, at least, newer than it was before. That includes transforming your existing devices into something different, but just as useful: Rather than buy a new laptop, you could install Linux to speed things up and have more control over your OS; instead of picking up a new phone, you could turn yours into a dumbphone, breaking your addiction while saving money at the same time.
We know that the memory manufacturers don't see supply meeting demand until at least 2027; maybe if it does, prices will stabilize, and the time will be right to buy new tech again.