Memory Surge Raises BOM, Trims 2026 Phone and NB View

Last Modified

2025-11-14

Update Frequency

Aperiodically

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PDF

Memory is entering a strong upward cycle, driving a significant rise in overall device BOM cost. To maintain profit margins, brands are adjusting their high-, mid-, and low-tier product mixes and implementing tiered hikes on retail prices. Soaring memory prices, coupled with a weak macro economy, create dual headwinds that will suppress production and shipment momentum for consumer electronics in 2026.

Key Highlights

Memory has entered a strong upward cycle, significantly inflating BOM costs and forcing retail prices higher.
The weak global economy, combined with the pass-through of memory costs, is putting pressure on production and shipment momentum for consumer electronics in 2026; the outlook is weak.
Amid soaring memory prices, some models are now operating at a negative gross margin, forcing brands to re-evaluate their product mix and implement tiered pricing adjustments.
Cost pressure passthrough is rapid and acute for Smartphones, while Notebooks (NB) can use inventory buffers to delay the impact.
Cautious consumer spending is boosting the penetration rate of second-hand devices and repairs, diverting demand for new units as the market enters an adjustment period.

Rising Memory Prices Is Expected to Impact Consumer Market, Leading to Downward Revisions in Outlooks of NB and Smartphone Industries for 2026
- Demand Outlooks for Smartphones and NBs
Memory Prices Drive Market Changes, Forcing Brands to Adjust Product Mixes and Pricing
- Relationship Between Memory Cost Ratio and Device BOM Cost
Low-End Smartphone Models Are First to Bear the Brunt of Strong DRAM Price Surge
- Mobile DRAM Pricing Trends for Smartphones
- Smartphone BOM Cost Structure
NB Market May be Pressurized by Cost and Demand in 2026 as Memory Prices Soar under Diminishing Supply
- NB BOM Cost Shift After Price Hike
Memory Shortages and Conservative Demand to Inflict Pressure on Shipment and Market Shares of Smartphones and NBs in 2026