Memory chip shortage could last until 2030: what it means for phone and laptop prices
SK hynix, one of the world's biggest memory makers, says demand will outpace supply through 2030 because of AI. Its profits jumped 632%, but buyers of phones and laptops may keep paying more. Here's why.
If you’ve been waiting for laptop and phone prices to come back down, we have bad news. SK hynix, one of the world’s biggest makers of memory chips, says the global memory shortage could last until 2030.
What SK hynix said
Reporting its results on October 28, 2026, the South Korean company said it expects demand to exceed supply through 2030. It pointed to how hard it is to make the most advanced chips and “the long lead time required to build new production facilities.”
Record profits
- Operating profit: up 632% from a year earlier, to about 83.3 trillion won (~$62 billion) in one quarter
- Revenue: up 328% to 104.6 trillion won, its first quarter above 100 trillion won
- Operating margin: about 80%, extraordinarily high for a manufacturer
- DRAM prices: up in the high-20s percent compared with the previous quarter
Why is there a shortage?
AI data centers need enormous amounts of memory, especially a special, expensive type called HBM (high-bandwidth memory) that sits next to AI chips like Nvidia’s. Memory makers are shifting production toward these profitable AI products, leaving less for regular computers and phones.
- SK hynix has long-term deals with 14 major customers, including big cloud companies, covering more than half of its planned production for 2027 and 2028.
- New factories take years to build. SK hynix’s big new Yongin cluster is only starting its first phase.
- Just three companies (Samsung, SK hynix and Micron) make about 95% of the world’s DRAM.
The AI boom is soaking up the world’s memory supply, and everyday gadgets are paying the price.
What it means for you
- Higher device prices: SK hynix’s own finance chief expects PC and phone shipments to fall as memory prices rise. Apple’s CEO John Ternus has called it a “memory crisis.”
- Weaker PC sales: Intel just warned of a PC slowdown caused by memory prices, sending its stock down 28%. Read more.
- Spec cuts: some makers may offer less RAM or storage to keep prices down.
Should you buy now or wait?
Based on the companies’ own forecasts, prices are unlikely to fall soon. If you need a new laptop or phone:
- Buy when you need it rather than waiting for big price drops.
- Get enough memory upfront, since many devices can’t be upgraded.
- Look for sales such as Black Friday and older-model discounts.
- Consider refurbished devices with a warranty.
Full buying guide: why laptops are getting more expensive, and how to save.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the memory chip shortage last?
SK hynix expects demand to exceed supply through 2030.
Why is there a memory shortage?
Mainly because AI data centers are buying huge amounts of memory, especially HBM, while new factories take years to build.
Will laptop and phone prices go up?
Prices have already risen, and memory makers expect high prices and lower device shipments to continue.
What is HBM?
High-bandwidth memory: a fast, expensive type of memory stacked next to AI processors in data centers.
