Global memory lapse as AI gobbles all the chips

The shortage of computer memory chips—described as “RAMageddon”—is tightening the technology supply chain as AI-driven demand consumes much of global output. The article says data centers the size of a city block are increasing pressure on memory availability while using major space and utilities. It reports that memory shortages have already contributed to price increases for laptops, gaming consoles and smartphones, and that the situation is likely to worsen as major semiconductor firms prioritize AI needs over consumer memory. It cites a concentration of supply, noting only three chip manufacturers cover 90% of world demand, and says AI could account for about 70% of memory hardware production this year. International Data Corporation projects smartphone shipments could drop 13% in 2026, with impacts expected most in the Middle East and Africa. The piece also notes Micron has exited the consumer memory market and that production is shifting toward stacked high bandwidth memory.