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RAM Shortage Persists, But New Smartphones Keep Adding More Memory for AI • 2027 Forecast Outlook

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

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RAM Shortage Persists, But Smartphone Memory Capacities Are Set to Rise

Table of Contents


Smartphone with RAM chips illustration
Despite ongoing supply constraints, smartphone manufacturers are expected to increase RAM allocations.

The global shortage of dynamic random-access memory, or RAM, is projected to continue well into 2027, impacting numerous technology sectors. Though, despite these constraints, new smartphones are anticipated to feature increased memory capacities, a trend fueled by the growing demands of Artificial Intelligence applications.

The Ongoing Memory Crunch

A meaningful scarcity of memory chips is currently gripping the technology industry, prompting price increases and production bottlenecks. This shortage stems from a combination of limited supply and insufficient production capabilities to meet escalating demand. Several major players are attempting to address the issue, but solutions are not immediate.

Samsung, a leading memory chip manufacturer, is concentrating its expansion efforts on “High Bandwidth Memory” (HBM), primarily utilized in large-scale AI systems rather than consumer devices. Concurrently, Chinese firm CXMT is scaling up production, but its focus remains on the domestic Chinese market, offering little relief to the global supply chain. According to industry analysts, these factors will prolong the existing shortages.

Demand Surges Across Multiple Sectors

Despite the supply challenges, overall demand for RAM is surging, projected to increase by approximately 23% in 2026. this growth is occurring across key sectors, including data centers, the automotive industry, and consumer electronics.Data centers are anticipating a 25% increase in RAM usage, while automobiles are projected to require 36% more, and personal computers a 15% increase. Smartphones are expected to see a 16% rise.

RAM Demand by Sector – 2026

Why are smartphone manufacturers adding more RAM to support AI applications amid a persistent RAM shortage?

RAM Shortage Persists, But New Smartphones Keep Adding More Memory for AI • 2027 Forecast Outlook

The global semiconductor industry continues to navigate a complex landscape, and the ripple effects are keenly felt in the smartphone market. Despite ongoing efforts to increase production, a persistent RAM shortage is impacting device manufacturers, even as demand for memory – specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications – surges. This article dives into the current state of RAM availability, the driving force behind increased smartphone memory, and a forecast for 2027.

The Ongoing RAM Supply constraints

While the acute shortages of 2021-2023 have eased, a pleasant oversupply hasn’t materialized. Several factors contribute to this:

* Geopolitical Instability: Ongoing tensions and trade restrictions continue to disrupt supply chains, notably those reliant on key manufacturing hubs in Asia.

* Increased Demand from Diverse Sectors: Beyond smartphones, demand for RAM is robust in data centers, automotive industries (especially for advanced driver-assistance systems – ADAS), and IoT devices. This broad demand puts pressure on limited manufacturing capacity.

* Manufacturing complexity: Producing advanced RAM types, like LPDDR5X, requires sophisticated processes and specialized equipment, limiting the number of capable manufacturers.

* Unexpected Disruptions: Natural disasters and unforeseen events (like factory fires) can quickly exacerbate existing supply issues.

These constraints aren’t necessarily causing outright device unavailability,but they are influencing pricing and component choices for smartphone manufacturers. We’re seeing a trend towards prioritizing higher-margin devices with larger memory configurations.

The Rise of AI and its Memory Appetite

The biggest driver of increased RAM in smartphones isn’t simply running more apps; it’s the integration of on-device AI processing. Modern smartphones are increasingly performing complex tasks locally, rather than relying on cloud connectivity.This includes:

* Advanced Image Processing: AI-powered features like computational photography, object recognition, and real-time image enhancement require meaningful memory bandwidth.

* Natural language Processing (NLP): Voice assistants, real-time translation, and smart text prediction all benefit from dedicated AI processing and ample RAM.

* Machine Learning (ML) Applications: Personalized recommendations, predictive typing, and adaptive battery management are powered by ML models that reside and operate on the device.

* Generative AI: Emerging features like on-device text-to-image generation and AI-powered content creation are incredibly memory intensive.

Running these AI workloads efficiently necessitates larger and faster RAM modules. LPDDR5X is currently the standard for flagship devices, offering significant performance improvements over previous generations. However, even LPDDR5X is facing capacity limitations, pushing manufacturers to explore future technologies.

Smartphone Memory Configurations: A Growing Trend

The trend towards more RAM in smartphones is undeniable.Here’s a breakdown of typical configurations and their evolution:

* 2020: 6GB/8GB RAM were common in mid-range and flagship devices.

* 2023: 8GB/12GB RAM became standard for flagship phones, with some offering 16GB.

* 2024 (Current): 12GB/16GB RAM are prevalent in high-end models, and 8GB is becoming the baseline for many mid-range phones.

* 2025 (Projected): 16GB RAM will likely become the standard for flagship devices, with 12GB becoming more common in the upper mid-range.

* 2027 (Forecast): We anticipate seeing widespread adoption of 24GB RAM in premium smartphones, with some models potentially pushing to 32GB. This increase will be directly tied to the growing demands of generative AI and more sophisticated on-device ML applications.

Manufacturers are also optimizing RAM management through software improvements, such as more aggressive app freezing and memory compression techniques. However, these optimizations can only go so far; ultimately, more physical RAM is required.

LPDDR6 and Beyond: The Future of Smartphone Memory

The industry is already looking beyond LPDDR5X. LPDDR6,expected to begin appearing in devices in late 2026,promises:

* Increased data Rates: Significantly faster transfer speeds,improving overall system performance.

* Reduced Power Consumption: More efficient memory modules, extending battery life.

* Enhanced Bandwidth: Greater capacity for handling complex AI workloads.

Beyond LPDDR6, research is underway on even more advanced memory technologies, including potential integration of 3D stacking and new materials to further increase density and performance.

Impact on Consumers: What Does This Mean for You?

The increasing RAM in smartphones translates to several benefits for consumers:

* Smoother Multitasking: Run more apps together without experiencing lag or slowdowns.

* Improved Gaming Performance: Enjoy smoother frame rates and faster loading times in demanding mobile games.

* Enhanced AI Capabilities: Take advantage of advanced AI-powered features, such as better image processing and more accurate voice assistants.

* Future-Proofing: A phone with ample RAM is more likely to remain responsive and capable as software updates introduce new features and demands.

However, these benefits come at a cost. Smartphones with larger RAM configurations typically command a higher price tag. Consumers will need to weigh the benefits of increased memory against their budget and usage needs.

Real-World Example: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra,

Sophie Lin Senior Editor, Technology Sophie is a tech innovator and acclaimed tech writer recognized by the Online News Association. She translates the fast-paced world of technology, AI, and digital trends into compelling stories for readers of all backgrounds.

Sophie is a tech innovator and acclaimed tech writer recognized by the Online News Association. She translates the fast-paced world of technology, AI, and digital trends into compelling stories for readers of all backgrounds.

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Sector Projected RAM Increase
Data Centers 25%
Automotive 36%