Rising demand for AI compute is continuing to drive up memory chip prices, with the cost pressure now moving downstream into consumer electronics and hardware products. Amazon has recently raised prices on several devices, including its best-selling entry-level Echo smart speaker, which went from $49.99 to $79.99, and a 16GB base-model e-reader, which increased from $109.99 to $149.99. Before Amazon’s move, Apple, Microsoft, and Dell had already responded to higher storage costs by lifting product prices or cutting standard memory configurations in hardware lineups. IDC had previously warned that the global memory supply crunch could last through 2027. Industry expectations cited in the report say storage chip prices may peak in 2028 before gradually easing. The latest pricing changes point to how AI-related infrastructure demand is spilling over into broader hardware supply chains.
Rising demand for AI compute is continuing to push up memory chip prices, and the cost pressure is now spreading from upstream suppliers to consumer electronics and hardware end products.
Amazon has recently raised prices on several hardware products. Its best-selling entry-level Echo smart speaker increased from $49.99 to $79.99, a rise of about 60%. A 16GB base-model e-reader went from $109.99 to $149.99, up about 36%.
Before Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Dell had already responded to higher storage costs by raising product prices or reducing standard memory configurations on hardware products.
IDC had previously warned that tight global memory supply could last through 2027. The industry expects storage chip prices may peak in 2028 and then gradually decline.
This article was originally published by Bit.Fan. For more cryptocurrency news and market insights, visit www.bit.fan. Disclaimer:
The market information, project data, and third-party content displayed on this platform are for industry information sharing only and do not constitute any form of investment advice or return commitment.
Cryptocurrency trading carries high risks. Users should fully assess their risk tolerance and make independent decisions. All profits, losses, and legal responsibilities are borne by the users themselves.
