Micron Warns Memory Shortage Will Make Gadgets Pricier

Micron, a major memory chip maker, just warned that the global shortage of memory and storage will get worse through 2028. The main reason? AI. Companies are using more and more memory chips to power AI systems, and those chips are different from the ones in your laptop or phone. As a result, there aren't enough regular memory chips to go around, and prices are going up.

This isn't just a problem for tech companies. You'll feel it when you buy a new computer, phone, or even a server for work. Already, some PCs come with less memory to keep prices down. Businesses that need to upgrade their hardware may have to pay more, accept lower specs, or keep old machines longer. Micron even stopped selling its Crucial brand of consumer memory to focus on AI customers.

The shortage is tricky because making memory chips is complicated. AI chips need a special type called HBM (high-bandwidth memory), which uses more manufacturing capacity than regular memory. So even when factories make more chips, AI soaks them up first. Micron is building new factories, but they won't start producing meaningful amounts until after 2028. That means no quick fix.

For now, don't expect cheaper RAM or storage anytime soon. If you're planning to buy a new device, you might want to do it sooner rather than later, or be prepared to pay more for less. Companies should plan their hardware upgrades carefully, because memory will be a big cost factor for years to come.