If you feel laptops are already expensive, 2026 may come as a shock. New laptops across all categories are expected to cost more than ever before. From budget models to high-end machines, prices are climbing fast, and this is not just because of inflation. The real reason lies deep inside the hardware, especially memory and storage components.
The Global RAM Shortage Is the Biggest Reason
The main factor behind rising laptop prices in 2026 is the global RAM shortage. Random-access memory, commonly known as RAM, has become extremely costly in a short time. The demand for memory has exploded due to artificial intelligence workloads.
Large AI companies need massive amounts of memory to run data centers and advanced models. Because memory manufacturers have limited production capacity, most of it is now dedicated to AI and server-grade memory. This leaves fewer chips available for consumer laptops, pushing prices up.
AI Demand Is Changing the Hardware Market
AI is not just software anymore. It depends heavily on powerful hardware, especially memory. To meet AI needs, manufacturers are shifting production away from consumer-grade RAM. This shift affects laptop makers directly, as they must pay more for the same components.
With supply shrinking and demand staying strong, laptop brands are left with no option but to increase prices. Even older memory types that were once affordable are now becoming more expensive.
It’s Not Just RAM, Other Components Are Rising Too
The problem does not stop at RAM. Graphics cards and solid-state drives are also under pressure. Modern GPUs rely on dedicated memory, and those memory chips are affected by the same shortage. As GPU memory becomes costly, laptops with dedicated graphics see price jumps.
SSD prices are also increasing because the same companies that make RAM produce storage chips. When production shifts toward high-profit memory for AI, consumer storage supply tightens as well. This causes laptop prices to rise further.
How Different Laptop Categories Are Affected
| Laptop Category | Price Impact in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Gaming Laptops | Sharp increase due to high RAM and GPU needs |
| Business Laptops | Moderate to high increase for premium configurations |
| Ultraportables | Higher prices with limited RAM upgrade options |
| Budget Laptops | Fewer low-cost models available |
| Chromebooks | Entry-level prices moving higher |
High-memory laptops will become premium products. Configurations with 32GB or more RAM will no longer be common in mid-range pricing.
What This Means for Laptop Buyers
For buyers, 2026 will require smarter planning. Many laptops now come with soldered memory, meaning you cannot upgrade RAM later. Choosing the right configuration at purchase will matter more than ever.
Buying a slightly older laptop model may also help save money. Models released before the price surge often offer strong performance at lower costs. Waiting too long, however, could mean paying significantly more for the same hardware.
Final Thoughts on Laptop Prices in 2026
New laptops in 2026 will cost more because memory, storage, and graphics components are becoming harder to source. With AI companies locking in hardware supply for years, prices are unlikely to drop soon.
For anyone planning to buy a laptop, understanding these changes is essential. Acting early, choosing upgrades wisely, and staying flexible can help reduce the impact of rising prices in a market that shows no signs of cooling down.
