Global Memory Shortage Likely to Push Up Prices of Samsung Devices, Including Galaxy S26

Samsung consumers may soon face higher prices for upcoming gadgets, including the much-anticipated Galaxy S26, as a global shortage of memory chips continues to disrupt the electronics industry.

Samsung co-CEO TM Roh has acknowledged that the company will not be able to escape the ongoing challenges related to DRAM supply. Speaking to Reuters, Roh said the situation is unprecedented and affecting all manufacturers, adding that price adjustments are “inevitable,” though he stopped short of confirming specific increases.

According to South Korea’s fnnews.com, industry sources suggest Samsung may raise the price of the 256GB Galaxy S26 by 44,000 to 88,000 won, roughly equivalent to $40 to $60. The report links the possible hike directly to rising memory costs.

The warning follows a December forecast by analyst firm IDC, which cautioned that pressure on DRAM production could drive smartphone prices higher in 2026. IDC estimated that, in a worst-case scenario, device prices could increase by 6% to 8% due to constrained supply.

Roh noted that the memory shortage is not limited to smartphones and is expected to impact a wide range of consumer electronics, including televisions and home appliances. Samsung, the world’s largest TV manufacturer, has a strong presence in these markets, producing everything from washing machines and dryers to refrigerators and ovens.

Despite these challenges, Samsung remains focused on expansion, particularly in artificial intelligence. Roh said the company aims to more than double sales of AI-enabled mobile devices to over 800 million units, emphasizing that AI will be rapidly integrated across all Samsung products, functions, and services.

While it remains unclear which specific devices will be included, the push is expected to cover smartphones and tablets featuring Google’s Gemini AI and Galaxy AI, as well as other products such as smartwatches and the upcoming Galaxy XR headset. The Galaxy S26 is expected to be officially unveiled at a launch event in late February in San Francisco.