Samsung Says the Memory Crisis Will Get Worse, so You Have Two Choices

Earlier this month, Nikkei Asia reported that the ongoing memory crisis would not slow down anytime soon. RAM supply is currently in extremely high demand as AI companies procure the hardware needed to power their ever-growing data centers. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of memory manufacturers in the world and a limited number of resources available to actually make these chips. There are really only three key players: SK Hynix, Micron Technology and Samsung, and while all are ramping up production as much as possible, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be enough to meet demand right away.

Samsung can’t meet memory demand this year

Now Samsung officially confirms it. In a post-earnings conference call this week, Kim Jaejune, Samsung’s chief business officer for memory chips, said: “Our supply falls far short of meeting customer demand…based solely on the demand currently received for 2027, the gap between supply and demand for 2027 is expected to widen further in 2026.” This confirms much of the Nikkei Asia report, namely that Samsung cannot keep up with the current level of demand and that he expects this reality to continue throughout next year.

It’s important to note that these companies aren’t necessarily trying to boost production of consumer RAM components; Instead, AI companies are looking for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to run their power-intensive processes. But without HBM supply to meet demand, companies will continue to buy typical RAM hardware, putting a strain on the consumer market. Samsung says it expects its HBM revenue to more than triple in 2026 compared to 2025.

Even if you don’t buy RAM itself, many products you TO DO purchases are affected by this memory crisis. If a device runs on some type of computer, it almost certainly needs RAM to run. As such, products such as smartphones, computers, fitness trackers, cars, smart home devices, audio equipment, etc. will all feel the pressure and could increase their prices as a result.

You have two choices to overcome the memory crisis

With all signs now pointing to an inevitable memory crisis, you have two choices as a consumer to weather the storm. The first ? If you need a new device, buy one now and at a discount, if you can help it. Based on last month’s reports, there’s little reason to expect tech prices to drop, so don’t expect the big players to offer their latest devices at a lower price than previous offerings.

This doesn’t mean you have to pay an inflated price, though. Perhaps the best way to buy new technology is to buy used technology. Check out the refurbished and renewed sections of stores like Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. As long as the device meets certain aesthetic qualifications (and works as it should, of course), you can get something that looks new without paying the 2026 price. You can also take advantage of educational discounts from some companies, even if you’re not a student or teacher. Apple will take a good chunk out of a new MacBook if you go through its Education Store.

However, if your existing technology still works, I suggest option number two: hold on and don’t give up. If you don’t need a new computer, phone, smart watch, what have you, don’t spend your money yet, especially if you can see this device lasting another year or more. There are things you can do to make your aging technology look new, or at least newer than before. This includes transforming your existing devices into something different, but just as useful: rather than buying a new laptop, you can install Linux to speed things up and have more control over your operating system; Instead of getting a new phone, you could upgrade yours to a dumb phone, ending your addiction while saving money.

We know that memory manufacturers don’t expect supply to meet demand until at least 2027; maybe if so, prices will stabilize and it will be a good time to buy new technology again.