Memory executives expect RAM shortage to continue through 2028
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Executives from major memory manufacturers Micron and Samsung predict that the global RAM shortage will persist through at least 2028. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra stated that demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI applications is outstripping supply, leading to significantly higher prices for 2027 compared to 2026. The company has already sold 75% of its 2027 HBM output, with most current sales discussions focusing on 2028 volumes. Manufacturing capacity is being prioritized for server and AI memory, which limits the availability of DRAM for consumer devices. This shift has already impacted the market, as evidenced by Micron's Crucial brand ceasing direct consumer RAM sales in late 2025. Consequently, consumers are facing increased costs for prebuilt PCs, smartphones, and other gadgets due to reduced RAM configurations and higher component prices. Industry leaders note that new production facilities will not alleviate these constraints until 2028, and even then, ramp-up times will be gradual.
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