AI chip demand drives up laptop, phone and PS5 prices
Consumer memory supply is tightening further, and Micron expects disruptions to continue at least through 2028.
Soaring demand for memory chips for AI data centers is starting to push up prices for laptops, smartphones and gaming consoles. A NOS report in the Netherlands said large-scale memory purchases by the AI industry are reducing supply for consumer electronics. Tomas Hochstenbach of Tweakers said the effect is not only higher prices, but also lower specifications. Pricewatch Tweakers data show consumers are now paying 50 euro to 200 euro more, depending on memory capacity. The Samsung Galaxy A sells for about 50 euro more than last year’s series, while the PlayStation 5 has risen about 100 euro since the start of the year. Microsoft also raised Xbox prices by 50 euro in the Netherlands starting in August. Some Windows laptops now use 8 GB of RAM instead of 16 GB, without a lower price. Apple also raised laptop prices by at least 100 euro last month.