Memory prices are projected to rise by 40-50% in the third quarter of 2026 and show no signs of improvement until 2028.

Amid a global shortage of semiconductors, which continues to drive up the price of memory used in PCs and smartphones, market research firm Jefferies Equity Research has released a forecast stating that 'memory prices will rise by 40-50% in the third quarter of 2026, and the upward trend will continue thereafter with no prospect of improvement until 2028.'

Jefferies Warns Memory Prices Will Surge 50% in Q3 2026 and Another 40% in Q4, With No Relief Until 2028
https://wccftech.com/jefferies-warns-memory-prices-surge-50-percent-q3-40-in-q4-2026-no-relief-until-2028/

Memory Prices Expected to Rise Up to 50% in Q3 With No Relief Until 2028, Jefferies Predicts - gHacks Tech News
https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/29/memory-prices-expected-to-rise-up-to-50-in-q3-with-no-relief-until-2028-jefferies-predicts/

Companies Warn You Won't Be Able To Afford A Gadget Until 2028
https://kotaku.com/companies-warn-ram-prices-will-keep-spiking-at-least-through-2028-2000711249

In recent years, the increasing demand for AI has led to a serious shortage of memory, with some predicting that global memory supply will only be able to meet 60% of the demand until 2027. While memory manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are working to increase their manufacturing capacity, most of the new manufacturing facilities are not expected to be operational until 2027, or even 2028 at the latest.

Global memory supply is expected to only meet 60% of demand by 2027, and memory will account for approximately 40% of the manufacturing cost of low-cost smartphones by mid-2026 - GIGAZINE

According to Jefferies Equity Research, memory prices are expected to rise 40-50% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, with a further 30-40% increase projected for the fourth quarter. They also forecast a 40-45% year-on-year price increase in 2027, with no improvement expected until 2028.

It is expected that the average selling price of memory will decrease in 2028 as approximately 15-20% of new production capacity becomes operational. However, demand for AI and computing is expected to continue increasing even in 2028, so this supply increase may not bring about a significant improvement.

As of the time of writing, approximately 50% of memory manufacturers' total production capacity is allocated to long-term contracts with major technology companies, and this percentage could rise to 70% in the future. Because memory manufacturers are prioritizing the demand from AI data centers over consumer products, the supply to consumer products such as PCs, smartphones, and game consoles will further decrease, which is expected to lead to price increases across the board.

In fact, Apple raised prices on multiple hardware products, including Macs and iPads, on June 25, 2026. To cope with soaring memory prices, Apple is reportedly considering purchasing memory from CXMT, a Chinese memory manufacturer listed on the U.S. government's '1260H list' of military enterprises, and is seeking permission from the Donald Trump administration to make the purchase.

Apple is seeking permission from the Trump administration to purchase memory from CXMT, a Chinese company blacklisted by the US government, to cope with soaring memory prices - GIGAZINE

While there were predictions that price increases would be curbed due to improved manufacturing capacity from Chinese memory manufacturers such as CXMT and YMTC, the prices of Chinese manufacturers' memory are comparable to those of Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, so a price reduction effect cannot be expected.

Chinese memory company CXMT is reportedly manufacturing DDR5 memory for PCs, but it won't be cheap - GIGAZINE

Technology media outlet gHacks advised, 'Users considering purchasing expensive hardware should think about buying sooner rather than later, as further price increases are expected in the third and fourth quarters. It may also be worth considering refurbished or used devices.'

In June 2026, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation, alleging that these companies artificially caused a shortage of memory supply and inflated prices.

Memory Trio Samsung, SK Hynix & Micron Face Class Action Lawsuit As Prices Reach Historical High Due To Shortages
https://wccftech.com/memory-trio-samsung-sk-hynix-micron-face-class-action-lawsuit/

Samsung, SK hynix, Micron Sued in US Over Memory Price Fixing - Seoul Economic Daily
https://en.sedaily.com/international/2026/06/29/samsung-sk-hynix-micron-sued-in-us-over-memory-price-fixing