SK Hynix has said the global RAM shortage will continue.
DRAM prices have risen by nearly 300% in just three months: 16-gigabit DDR5 chips went from USD 6.84 in September to USD 27.20 by December 2025. The increase comes as memory makers prioritise high-bandwidth chips for AI data centres, sidelining production of conventional RAM used in consumer electronics.
Meanwhile, Apple has shifted most iPhone 17 memory orders to Samsung, which is set to supply 60–70% of its low-power DRAM — previously, orders were split roughly evenly between Samsung and SK Hynix. The price of 12 GB modules has now reached about USD 70, compared with about USD 30 at the start of 2025.
Industry analysts warn the shortage could last until 2027 or even 2028, when new chip fabs come online. SK Hynix also told analysts that memory supply deficits are likely to persist until late 2027 as chipmakers try to balance surging AI infrastructure demand with the traditional needs of the electronics market.
