AI-induced memory shortage is changing how devices are built, Fairphone says memory now 60% of materials cost

Due to the memory shortage, smaller smartphone and laptop makers are redesigning devices, ordering chips months ahead, and testing batches for fakes. According to Fairphone, memory accounts for almost 60% of the materials cost in $400 phones.

• Fairphone: memory is up to 60% of materials cost in a $400 phone
• Jolla made two board versions to switch between chip types
• Framework orders memory without cancellation rights, not knowing final price
• Counterpoint expects smartphone shipments to fall 13.9% year over year