TECHNOMALIST
Samsung executives used the company’s second-quarter earnings call to deliver a sobering outlook on the global memory chip shortage, predicting it will extend through 2028. The supply crunch, often called ‘RAMageddon’, is being fueled by explosive growth in artificial intelligence and the corresponding need for data center chips, according to commentary reported by CNET.
Jaejune Kim, Samsung’s executive vice president of memory, explained that the fast uptake of agentic AI has strained server and computing resources. AI model developers are scrambling for cloud capacity, and many are seeking multiyear supply agreements with Samsung. This gives the company unusual visibility into future demand. Kim stated that based on incoming customer requests, it is unlikely any significant new supply will emerge before 2028. He warned that unmet demand this year will roll into the next, making supply even tighter, and noted conditions are expected to grow more severe in 2027 than 2026.
Daniel Araujo, Samsung’s vice president of mobile experience, added that the AI server boom is also constricting mobile memory supplies and keeping prices high. While Samsung did not explicitly forecast consumer price hikes, the chip shortage has already prompted major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft to raise prices on new and existing products. At Samsung’s own Unpacked event, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was priced at $1,200—higher than its predecessor—as the company bets on new premium devices like the S26 series and Tab S12 foldable to bolster profits.
CNET interpreted the executives’ remarks as a clear signal that tech prices are unlikely to fall anytime soon. The article notes that Kim said visibility beyond 2028 remains limited, but for now, the trend points to sustained pressure on the memory market.
See an error? Read our corrections policy or email [email protected].
