Memory shortage forces small device makers to buy blind through 2028

September 16, 2026 at 03:00 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Small smartphone and PC makers are being forced to buy memory chips without knowing prices, delivery dates, or volumes, as a prolonged shortage squeezes the industry. Companies like Fairphone, Jolla, and Framework say relief is unlikely before 2028, and the inability to secure supply is now a bigger problem than high prices.

Key Facts

Counterpoint Research forecasts the smartphone market will shrink by up to 13.9% this year, with the entry-level segment hit hardest.
TrendForce estimates contract DRAM prices will rise 13–18% this quarter, after doubling in the first quarter.
Memory costs can reach 60% of the bill of materials for smartphones priced around $400.
Jolla says the DRAM and NAND chip set used in its phones peaked in price in March and has not changed since.

Supply Squeeze

Small smartphone and PC makers told Reuters they do not expect relief before 2028, and the inability to buy memory is now a bigger problem than its high price. Fairphone, a Dutch maker of repairable smartphones, says that without access to memory purchases, device manufacturers are effectively out of the game. Framework, a modular laptop maker, is placing memory orders in advance without information on prices, delivery dates, or volumes. Jolla has developed two motherboard variants for its smartphones to accommodate two different memory chip layouts.

Cost Pressure

Memory purchases can account for up to 60% of the cost of a smartphone priced around $400. TrendForce projects contract DRAM prices will rise 13–18% this quarter, following a doubling in the first quarter. Jolla reports the DRAM and NAND chip set used in its phones reached its maximum price in March and has remained unchanged since. Device makers are passing on rising costs to consumers at different speeds, depending on their financial situation and marketing considerations.

Market Impact

Counterpoint Research forecasts the smartphone market will shrink by up to 13.9% this year, with the entry-level segment suffering the most. Jolla is carefully testing memory chips from each batch because suppliers may be relabeling used chips as new. Such supplier abuses are becoming more frequent amid high prices. Framework allows laptop buyers to reuse memory from their old computers.