TrendForce warns of a 40% price hike for laptops by 2026 due to rising memory, storage, and processor costs. Learn about component shortages and market impacts.
© A. Krivonosov
Analytics firm TrendForce has released a new study warning of a possible significant increase in laptop prices. According to expert estimates, mass-market models with a recommended price of around $900 could rise by nearly 40% in the first half of 2026.
The main driver of this price hike, analysts say, is the rising cost of key components. This primarily concerns memory, storage, and processors. At the start of 2025, these parts accounted for roughly 45% of a laptop's total manufacturing cost. Now, their share has climbed to approximately 58%.
Additional pressure on the market comes from the memory supply situation. TrendForce data suggests that after 2026, the supply of memory modules for laptops could drop significantly. This detail matters because it could lead to sharp price increases and a worsening component shortage, creating further complications for manufacturers in planning their procurement.
Issues are also emerging in the processor market. According to supply chain sources, Intel has already raised prices by over 15% on some entry-level mobile processors and older-generation chips. For readers, this is important since price increases are expected to affect mid-range and high-end platforms by the second quarter of 2026.
Meanwhile, AMD may also face supply challenges for some of its budget platforms. If this trend continues, laptop makers will likely be forced to adjust their prices to maintain profitability throughout the supply chain.