The global AI build-out is causing a memory shortage that will affect smartphones and PCs. Samsung is cashing in by raising prices on its HBM4 chips by up to 30%. But this shortage could also impact Samsung’s costs and force price hikes on flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S26.

Apple, a major Samsung customer, is also feeling the heat from the memory shortage, expecting margin pressures. Apple’s reliance on Samsung for about 60% of its memory components puts it in a tough spot. Analysts believe Apple may have to increase prices to protect margins.

Wall Street is skeptical as memory pricing rises, impacting IT hardware sentiment negatively. The demand for memory chips has been labeled “RAMageddon,” leaving customers to foot the bill. Nvidia and Meta recently announced a major agreement to deploy GPUs for AI infrastructure.

Tech companies are facing a chip shortage due to the AI boom, with Sony considering delaying the PlayStation 6 release. Dell has already raised PC prices by up to 20% to cover increased costs. The hardware tax from the AI boom shows no signs of slowing down, potentially becoming a permanent cost for consumers.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The AI boom is helping Samsung and coming for Apple