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You might want to hold off on that new PC purchase.
Korean outlet, ET News has said that Intel will raise hardware prices by 10%, and a large part is tied to the ongoing RAM shortage taking control of all different tech gadgets — ranging from the latest smartphone to new TV set-top boxes. For instance, the founder of British start-up Nothing has confirmed that smartphone prices will rise this year. First-of-its-kind Freely was also hit with a price rise just two months after its release.
The reason behind these recent surges comes from Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres, which are taking up so much RAM that there's not enough left for regular consumer gadgets like gaming PCs and laptops.
Intel powers nearly 73% of Windows laptops
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICECPU chips are also facing a possible price hike, which are considered to be "the brain" of a device — processing data and executing instructions. An industry insider told ETNews: "There are concerns that if Intel CPU prices also rise, operating profits will shrink significantly, making it difficult to survive."
Large amounts of CPU chips and RAM are being used to fuel the AI surge due to training its programmes and running large models.
Intel powers nearly 73% of Windows laptops, but it's also been facing stiff competition from other tech firms like Qualcomm. Most recently, it unveiled its Snapdragon X2 Plus chip, which is expected to be installed in PCs like the upcoming HP OmniBook X series.
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You've also got Apple's newest MacBook Neo to contend with now. With prices starting at only £599 – that's fierce competition for manufacturers already struggling with component costs.
Apple is using the A18 Pro system-on-a-chip that launched with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. While this custom-designed silicon made its debut inside a smartphone, Apple says its tests show MacBook Neo is 50% speedier for everyday tasks like web browsing, and up to 3x faster when crunching through on-device AI tasks – like applying edits to high-resolution effects – compared to the bestselling PCs fuelled by the latest-generation Intel Core Ultra 5 chipset.
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The MacBook Neo is Apple’s new entry-level laptop designed to make premium computing more accessible. Powered by the efficient A18 Pro chip, it delivers smooth everyday performance, a vibrant 13-inch Liquid Retina display, and up to 16 hours of battery life. With its colourful design, durable build, and surprisingly capable features, it could be a great choice for students, creatives, and on-the-go users.
Apple MacBook Neo
$599
Outside of the Neo, experts have also said they don't expect any relief from this RAM crisis for the next few years. Ritesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, said, "Memory shortages will persist well into 2027. While we anticipate some easing of prices beginning in 2028, the market is unlikely to return to the pricing levels seen in 2025."
So what are PC makers doing to cope? Some may be turning to smaller memory suppliers, while others could be shifting focus away from budget machines towards premium offerings instead.
Other major tech firms like Samsung have placed their mobile division into "emergency management" mode, despite the Galaxy S26 Ultra breaking pre-order records.
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