'RAMageddon': is the era of cheap phones and laptops over? (www.theguardian.com)

The rise of artificial intelligence and the demands of expanding datacenters have led to a significant shortage of memory chips, prompting major manufacturers like Microsoft, Samsung, and Dell to raise prices and phase out budget laptops and phones. This phenomenon, dubbed "RAMageddon," threatens the affordability of electronics, with analysts predicting that prices for budget models could increase by as much as 40% in the next few years. As memory chips account for a substantial portion of the production cost—30% for budget smartphones and 23% for entry-level laptops—many low-margin models may become unviable. The situation is exacerbated by manufacturers prioritizing high-end memory production to meet AI demands, resulting in constrained supplies for flash storage and lower-end processors. With major players like Apple and Sony also increasing their product prices, consumers can expect to face heightened costs for new technology. As production capacities are unlikely to meet demand until 2027, those looking to upgrade may need to act quickly, consider older or refurbished models, or explore repair options to navigate this challenging landscape.