If you are planning to buy a new laptop in 2026, be prepared to spend more than you expected. Laptop prices are rising across all segments, and this increase is not temporary. From entry-level machines to powerful gaming laptops, higher costs are becoming the new normal. The reasons go beyond inflation and branding. The real causes are tied to core hardware shortages and changes in how technology companies operate.
The RAM Shortage Is the Main Price Driver
The biggest factor behind higher laptop prices in 2026 is the global RAM shortage. Memory chips are now in extremely high demand, mainly due to artificial intelligence workloads. AI systems require massive amounts of memory to function efficiently, and large tech companies are buying memory in bulk.
Because memory factories have limited capacity, more production is being allocated to AI and server-grade memory. This leaves fewer chips available for consumer laptops. When supply drops and demand stays strong, prices rise quickly, and laptop manufacturers have no choice but to raise prices.
AI Is Consuming Hardware at a Massive Scale
Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to software. It relies heavily on hardware, especially memory and processing power. Data centers running AI models use far more memory than traditional systems.
To meet this demand, hardware manufacturers are prioritizing AI-focused products. Consumer laptops, which depend on the same underlying components, are affected as a result. Even laptops meant for basic tasks are becoming more expensive to produce.
Storage and Graphics Costs Are Rising Too
The impact of the hardware shortage does not stop at RAM. Graphics cards also rely on dedicated memory, and that memory is becoming more expensive. Laptops with dedicated GPUs are seeing sharper price increases.
Solid-state drives are another issue. The companies that manufacture RAM also produce the chips used in SSDs. When memory production shifts toward higher-profit AI components, SSD supply tightens as well. This leads to higher storage costs, which further increase laptop prices.
How Different Laptop Types Are Affected
| Laptop Type | Price Impact in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Gaming Laptops | Significant increase due to high RAM and GPU needs |
| Business Laptops | Moderate increase for premium configurations |
| Ultraportable Laptops | Higher prices with limited upgrade options |
| Budget Laptops | Fewer affordable choices available |
| Chromebooks | Entry-level prices moving upward |
High-RAM configurations are becoming premium features. Systems with 32GB or more memory are now priced well above what most buyers expect.
Limited Upgrade Options Make It Worse
Many modern laptops come with soldered RAM, which cannot be upgraded later. This forces buyers to choose their memory configuration at the time of purchase. If you underestimate your needs, replacing the entire laptop may be the only option.
This lack of flexibility increases long-term costs and makes buying decisions more stressful for consumers.
What Buyers Should Do in 2026
Laptop buyers in 2026 need to plan carefully. Buying sooner rather than later may help avoid future price hikes. Choosing the right RAM amount upfront is more important than ever. Looking at slightly older models can also save money, as they were often priced before the full impact of the hardware shortage.
Final Thoughts
Buying a new laptop in 2026 will cost more because memory, storage, and graphics components are harder to source. AI demand is reshaping the hardware market, and consumer devices are feeling the pressure.
Understanding these changes helps buyers make smarter choices. In a market where prices are rising and options are shrinking, informed decisions can make a real difference.
