Prices on tech are going up everywhere... are you less likely to buy a new phone this year?

androidcentral.com Apr 19, 2026

Prices on tech are going up everywhere… are you less likely to buy a new phone this year?

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Apr 19, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

A RAM shortage is causing tech companies to increase device prices, affecting gaming consoles, laptops, and smartphones. Companies like Samsung, Motorola, and Meta are raising prices on new and old devices. The shortage is due to manufacturers prioritizing AI centers, leaving RAM makers unable to meet demand. This has led to price hikes, making some devices less appealing. The smartphone market saw its first decline since 2023, with companies passing costs to consumers.

💡 Why It Matters

· RAM makers prioritising AI datacentre demand over consumer devices means the cost of building out ChatGPT and Gemini's infrastructure is quietly being passed to anyone buying a phone or laptop in 2026 — the AI boom's hidden tax on everyday consumers.

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