AI's rapid growth diverts memory to data centers, tightening supply for smartphones, laptops and consoles. Why prices are rising and when relief may come.
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The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping not only online services but also the price tags on everyday gadgets. Smartphones, laptops, and game consoles are getting more expensive—and memory sits at the heart of it. Modern AI models require vast pools of RAM, and the larger the model, the greater its appetite for resources.
According to BODA.SU, chipmakers are reconfiguring their plants to prioritize server-grade modules for data centers, trimming output intended for the mass market. On top of that, major companies are signing long-term contracts for server memory, which further restricts the supply available to consumer devices. Faced with this squeeze, manufacturers either raise prices or dial back the specifications of new models.
The shortage is indirectly tied to energy demands as well: data centers use substantial amounts of electricity and water, adding extra pressure on infrastructure. Experts say the situation may stabilize only after new production capacity comes online, a process that could take several years. For now, shoppers mostly encounter higher price tags on familiar devices, while the real driver sits in the AI industry’s global needs.