> At a Glance
> – Global RAM shortage that started in 2025 is still constraining phone and PC production in 2026
> – Three memory makers are preparing new fabs and process upgrades to close the gap
> – Timing is awkward: the crunch is overshadowing product launches at CES 2026
> – Why it matters: Fewer devices on shelves could push prices up and delay upgrades for consumers
CES 2026 is meant to be a victory lap for new gadgets, but behind the booth lights a stubborn supply problem lingers: there still isn’t enough RAM to meet demand.
The Shortage That Won’t Quit
Memory supply has been tight since last year and, according to vendors at the show, the gap between orders and shipments is unchanged heading into 2026. Phones, laptops and desktops are all affected.
Contract prices for commodity DRAM modules are rising again after a brief plateau. Several PC makers privately told News Of Fort Worth they are now allocating limited chips to high-margin models first.
Industry’s Answer: Build More, Build Better
Three major manufacturers-Samsung, SK hynix and Micron-have outlined near-term fixes:
- Samsung will bring a new EUV line online in Pyeongtaek by Q3 2026
- SK hynix is expanding its Yongin fab, adding 90k wafers a month
- Micron is qualifying its advanced 1-gamma node for volume shipments this year
Capacity additions won’t hit full stride until late 2026, executives cautioned.
| Vendor | Planned Capacity Boost | On-stream Date |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | +120k wafers/month | Q3 2026 |
| SK hynix | +90k wafers/month | Q4 2026 |
| Micron | +70k wafers/month | Q4 2026 |
Combined, the three projects could raise global DRAM output by roughly 8% in 2027, assuming yield targets hold.
Why Execs Stay Quiet at CES
No manufacturer wants to spotlight a bottleneck while pitching flashy new hardware. Several PR staffers declined to discuss memory supply on the record, redirecting questions to upcoming product demos.
One notebook vendor admitted off-camera that launch quantities for a flagship gaming laptop were cut 15% after Q4 RAM allocations slipped.
Key Takeaways
- The RAM shortage that began in 2025 continues to limit device production
- Samsung, SK hynix and Micron are investing in new lines and smaller process nodes
- Most added capacity won’t arrive until late 2026, so tight conditions may persist
- Consumers could face higher prices and longer wait times for phones and PCs through the next holiday season
Until fresh fabs ramp up, the memory crunch remains the tech sector’s open secret-an inconvenient backdrop to the industry’s biggest showcase.
