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Soaring RAM Prices Drive Up Smartphone Costs
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Soaring RAM Prices Drive Up Smartphone Costs

WireByte Staff · June 12, 2026

Nothing co-founder Carl Pei warns that RAM prices have surged due to AI-driven demand, pushing up smartphone manufacturing costs. This is already affecting new launches, with some Android phones costing up to $100 more than their predecessors.

Key points

  • Nothing co-founder Carl Pei says RAM now costs more than the processor and display combined due to AI-driven demand.
  • RAM prices have surged in recent months, affecting smartphone manufacturing costs and new launches.
  • Some Android phones are now costing up to $100 more than their predecessors.
  • The global rush to build AI-heavy systems is driving up memory costs across the board.

The tech industry is facing a new challenge as RAM prices continue to soar. According to Nothing co-founder Carl Pei, RAM now costs more than the processor and display combined due to AI-driven demand. This surge in RAM prices is affecting smartphone manufacturing costs and new launches, with some Android phones now costing up to $100 more than their predecessors.

The global rush to build AI-heavy systems is driving up memory costs across the board. This trend is not limited to smartphones, but is also affecting other industries that rely on AI-driven computing workloads. As a result, consumers can expect to pay more for their next phone or device.

While this trend may seem alarming, it is essential to understand the underlying factors driving it. The increasing demand for AI-driven computing workloads is pushing up RAM prices, making it more expensive for manufacturers to produce smartphones and other devices. This, in turn, is affecting consumer prices.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. By understanding the factors driving up RAM prices, consumers can make informed decisions about their next purchase and prepare for the changing landscape of the tech industry.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.