Web desk: Global PC prices, in addition to other tech devices we all use, are set to rise sharply in 2026 as a growing shortage of memory components is forcing major manufacturers to pass on higher costs to consumers, according to industry analysts.
Everything we use in daily life, from mobile phones to PCs and smart televisions, is powered by tech.
As the latest data centres power AI as well, and need RAM, the prices of these things have surged.
This can cause an imbalance in the supply and demand flow, meaning consumers will have to pay more now.
“We are being quoted costs around 500% higher than they were only a couple of months ago,” said Steve Mason, BBC reports. He is the general manager of CyberPowerPC, which builds computers.
He added that there “will come a point” where these increased component costs will “force” manufacturers to “make decisions about pricing”.
“If it uses memory or storage, there is the potential for price increases,” he said further.
“The manufacturers will have choices to make, as will consumers,” he added.
Price hike may affect your PC budget
A shortage of memory components is forcing PC makers to warn customers about higher prices. Analysts expect that there can be an increase of up to 20 per cent in 2026.
According to research firm IDC, major PC brands have already started informing buyers about upcoming price hikes.
In a recent note, IDC said companies such as Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus have confirmed price increases of 15 to 20 per cent. And that they are revising contracts due to the limited supply.
IDC added that the do-it-yourself (DIY) PC market will be affected the most. Prices of DRAM and SSDs continue to rise.
Smaller local PC assemblers and boutique vendors are likely to face greater difficulties. And larger manufacturers are better positioned to secure supplies through bulk deals.
