Smartphone memory costs jump 4–5x, squeezing 2026 sales

Memory prices for smartphones have risen 4–5x in recent years, and brands' attempts to pass the costs to consumers have already hurt new device sales in 2026. Vendors are taking divergent approaches to cope with the higher bill of materials.

• Memory prices have risen 4–5x in recent years
• Passing costs to buyers has already hurt 2026 smartphone sales
• Brands are taking divergent approaches to the cost surge