Even a behemoth like Samsung can’t avoid the memory shortage, with co-CEO TM Roh telling Reuters that it will have an ‘inevitable’ impact on prices.<\/b>
\nYour next Samsung gadget\u2014including the upcoming Galaxy S26\u2014may cost more than expected thanks to the global memory shortage.
According to Samsung\u2019s co-CEO, TM Roh, the company won’t be able to avoid the ongoing problems with supplying DRAM for its devices. \u00ab\u00a0As this situation is unprecedented, no company is immune to its impact\u00a0\u00bb, Roh tells Reuters. When asked if Samsung intends to increase prices, Roh deflected, saying only that adjustments are \u00ab\u00a0inevitable.\u00a0\u00bb
To that end, South Korea\u2019s fnnews.com spoke to sources who claim Samsung may increase the price of the 256GB Galaxy S26 lineup by 44,000 won to 88,000 won ($40 to $60).
That comes after analyst firm IDC predicted in December that the pressures on DRAM production would result in more expensive smartphones this year, potentially between 6% and 8% in a worst-case scenario.
Roh argues that the memory issues will also affect other consumer electronics, including TVs and home appliances. Samsung is the world\u2019s largest TV manufacturer, and it offers a diverse range of home appliances, including dryers, refrigerators, wall ovens, washers, and more.
Still, Roh said Samsung wants to double the number of mobile devices sold with AI features onboard to over 800 million gadgets. \u00ab\u00a0We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible\u00a0\u00bb, he said.
It\u2019s unclear exactly which devices Roh is referring to, but it\u2019s likely the brand\u2019s smartphones and tablets, which include Google\u2019s Gemini AI platform by default, as well as Galaxy AI. Other devices, such as smartwatches or its new Galaxy XR headset, also come with Gemini onboard.
The Galaxy S26 launch event is reportedly scheduled for late February in San Francisco, so we’ll learn more then.<\/p>\n