Samsung forecasts the global RAM chip shortage will intensify into 2027 and last until 2028, driven by AI demand. This has allowed Samsung to secure long-term contracts but has increased component costs, impacting smartphone/TV profitability and leading to price hikes for consumers from Samsung and Apple.
Roku increases prices of its streaming devices by up to 60% due to component shortages, despite previously citing a cost advantage. Devices now priced at $40-$150, with bundles also affected.
Apple is reportedly launching an "Apple Upgrade" device leasing program on July 28th, backed by Klarna, to replace existing financing options. It will cover most new iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches with 24 or 36-month leases, requiring a soft credit check.
Valve's Steam Machine launches at high price points ($1,049-$1,428), significantly more than competitors like Xbox Series X and PS5, due to global RAM shortages impacting PC component costs. This signals a trend of increasing prices in the console market.
Smartphone memory is now the most expensive component, exceeding processors and displays. Costs have doubled multiple times, leading to price increases of up to $100 for new models and significant jumps in markets like India. Consumers are advised to buy ahead of further price hikes.
CXMT reported a 719% revenue surge to $7.4 billion and a net profit of $33 billion in Q1, a dramatic turnaround from a loss last year. Its shareholder structure, blending state and private capital, highlights its strategic importance in China's semiconductor supply chain.
Samsung predicts the severe memory shortage driving up prices for phones and gaming handhelds will worsen through 2027, with supply falling far short of customer demand. The world's biggest RAM manufacturer warns the supply-to-demand gap will widen further next year, following earlier reports that the industry may not catch up until 2030. Complications could arise if Samsung fails to reach agreement with its labor union planning an 18-day strike starting May 21st.
Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio have become increasingly difficult to purchase, with multiple configurations showing 'currently unavailable' status and ship times stretching to 5-12 weeks. The baseline $599 M4 Mac mini is now unavailable for the first time. The shortages are likely due to anticipated M5 chip refreshes later this year and surging demand for AI computing, as both desktops are popular for running local AI agents thanks to Apple Silicon's unified memory architecture.
Multiple Mac mini and Mac Studio configurations have become unavailable or face 5-12 week shipping delays on Apple's website, while MacBooks remain readily available. The baseline $599 M4 Mac mini recently earned the 'currently unavailable' label for the first time. The shortages are likely due to upcoming M5 refreshes and heightened AI-driven demand for RAM and storage, as the Mac mini and Studio are popular for running local AI agents. Experts advise holding off on purchases until new models arrive.
According to Nikkei Asia, even as suppliers ramp up DRAM production, manufacturers are only expected to meet 60 percent of demand by the end of 2027. SK Group chairman has even said that shortages could last until 2030. The world's largest memory makers - Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron - are all working to add […]
