Apple has largely been insulated from the RAM price crisis — until now. Long-term DRAM agreements expire in early 2026, meaning new MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads could become more expensive. This post explains why and what to expect.
If you’re planning an Apple device purchase next year, it’s worth understanding how the memory market may affect pricing.
You’re reading the RAM & Storage Mini-Series. Jump straight to any part:
Apple’s Safety Net May Be Ending
For years, Apple has negotiated long-term RAM & Storage deals with Samsung and SK Hynix. These agreements have shielded the company from the price spikes affecting the rest of the market.
Apple’s long-term contracts will expire in January 2026. The company will need to negotiate new agreements, which will likely cost more, and it could pass those higher costs on to consumers — especially for upcoming devices like the next MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPhone, and new iPads.
Why Current Devices Might Be Safe
Apple often builds up significant stockpiles of components months in advance. That means devices already on sale may not be affected by the upcoming price increases.
The real impact will likely hit new 2026 launches rather than current inventory.
How Apple Might Respond
Apple has a few strategies to manage rising RAM & Storage costs:
Absorb costs using in-house chips and cash reserves
Pass some of the cost onto consumers, raising device prices
Reduce RAM & Storage in base models to manage margins
Which path Apple chooses will influence prices across the tech market next year and set expectations for other manufacturers.
Our Advice
If you’re considering an Apple upgrade in 2026, timing could save you money. Devices currently available are probably fine, but new launches may carry a higher price tag due to RAM & Storage costs.
We can help you plan your purchase wisely, whether it’s a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad — avoiding overpaying while still getting the right specifications for your needs.
For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Newtown Driving Test Centre )| Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823
Rising RAM prices aren’t just affecting laptops and phones — PC gaming hardware is also feeling the pinch. Launches like Valve’s Steam Machine and the long-awaited Half-Life 3 could be delayed, while prices for gaming PCs may rise in 2026.
If you’re a gamer, these shortages could directly affect what you pay and when you get your hands on new hardware.
You’re reading the RAM & Storage Mini-Series. Jump straight to any part:
Why Gaming Hardware Is Especially Vulnerable
Unlike consoles, which have fixed components and can absorb costs, gaming PCs rely on standard consumer RAM. When memory prices spike:
Hardware costs increase
Launch timelines slip
Manufacturers may downgrade specs
PC makers can’t subsidise hardware as consoles do, which makes gamers one of the first groups to feel the impact of a RAM shortage.
The Steam Machine & Half-Life 3 Situation
Reports suggest Valve is struggling to finalise pricing for the Steam Machine due to the RAM crisis. Without stable component costs, the launch timeline has been pushed back.
Half-Life 3, widely expected as a launch title for the Steam Machine, is now also affected. Without knowing hardware pricing, Valve appears to be delaying key announcements and release plans.
Gamers may have to wait longer than expected for both the device and the game — possibly months — as the company waits for RAM prices to stabilise.
What This Means for Consumers
For those planning gaming PC upgrades or new purchases:
Launch prices for gaming PCs could be higher than expected
Delays in hardware and game releases may occur
Refurbished or slightly older hardware could be the better value option
Understanding these market pressures can help you plan your purchases without overpaying or being caught out by delays.
Our Advice
If you’re not in a rush, waiting until RAM prices stabilise may save you a lot. For urgent upgrades, focus on specifications carefully — particularly RAM. which is one of the easiest components to upgrade later.
As always, we’re here to talk through your options, whether that’s planning a purchase, timing an upgrade, or looking at refurbished alternatives.
For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Newtown Driving Test Centre )| Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823
Samsung has sharply increased the contract price of its RAM, with some DDR5 prices jumping close to five times their previous levels. Because Samsung is one of the world’s biggest memory manufacturers, this affects laptops, phones, tablets, and PCs heading into 2026 — even from brands that don’t carry the Samsung name.
If you’ve been following the RAM & Storage price story, this is the point where things get very real.
While shortages and rising costs have been bubbling under the surface for a while, Samsung’s latest move is one of the clearest signals yet that higher prices are locked in — at least for the near future.
You’re reading the RAM & Storage Mini-Series. Jump straight to any part:
What Has Samsung Actually Done?
Samsung has raised the contract price of its consumer RAM significantly, including both modern DDR5 and last gen DDR4 memory. Earlier last year, DDR5 RAM was trading at a relatively modest level. Now, reports suggest those prices have surged dramatically in a very short space of time.
Contract pricing is what large manufacturers pay when they buy memory in bulk. Companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and countless others rely on these agreements to build laptops, phones, and tablets at scale.
When contract prices rise, consumer prices follow. There’s no buffer large enough to absorb increases of this magnitude.
Why Samsung’s Decisions Carry So Much Weight
Samsung isn’t just another supplier. It’s also one of the three dominant global DRAM manufacturers, alongside SK Hynix and Micron.
At the same time Samsung is raising prices, the other major players are shifting even more of their production toward AI and data centre memory. That leaves device manufacturers with very few alternatives.
When one of the biggest suppliers raises prices and everyone else is already constrained, the market has nowhere to go but up.
This isn’t competition pushing prices down. It’s scarcity pushing them higher.
What This Means for Laptops, Phones, and Tablets
The impact won’t always be obvious at first glance.
Some devices will simply become more expensive. Others may hold the same price, but quietly ship with less memory than expected. Configurations that once felt “standard” may start to look premium again.
We’re already seeing signs that higher RAM & Storage capacities are being reserved for more expensive models, while mid-range devices stay stuck at lower specs for longer than they should.
For consumers, that means paying more for the same experience, or paying the same price for less performance.
Why Older RAM Isn’t Safe Either
One of the more worrying parts of this shift is that older DDR4 memory is also being affected.
Normally, older standards soften price rises. This time, they’re being pulled up alongside newer technology. That removes the usual safety net manufacturers rely on to keep budget devices affordable.
In plain terms, there’s no cheap fallback option anymore.
What Happens Next?
Unless something changes quickly, the effects of Samsung’s pricing will ripple through 2026 product launches.
Laptop and phone makers are already planning around these higher costs. Some will raise prices. Others will reduce specifications. A few may delay releases while they wait to see if the market stabilises.
From our perspective, this feels less like a temporary wobble and more like a reset of expectations around memory pricing.
Our Advice Right Now
If you’re planning a device upgrade and don’t urgently need the latest hardware, patience could pay off. Waiting gives the market time to adjust, and it also opens up better value in refurbished or clearance stock.
If you do need to buy soon, it’s worth choosing specifications carefully. RAM is one of the easiest things to upgrade later, in PC’s & laptops, but phones & tablets are not usually expandible later.
If you’d like a second opinion before making a purchase, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help you make sense of the options.
For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Newtown Driving Test Centre )| Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823
RAM and SSD prices have surged dramatically in a very short space of time. AI and data centre demand are soaking up global supply, pushing costs onto everyday tech like laptops, phones, consoles, and tablets. This post explains what’s happening, why it matters, and whether prices are likely to come back down.
If you’ve noticed tech quietly getting more expensive lately, you’re not imagining it.
Over the past few weeks, the price of RAM and storage has skyrocketed. Laptops, games consoles, phones, tablets — almost anything with a chip inside — is being affected in one way or another. Some manufacturers are already warning of price rises, while others are quietly changing specifications to keep costs under control.
A lot is happening behind the scenes, and it’s not being explained very clearly. So let’s break it down in plain English.
You’re reading the RAM & Storage Mini-Series. Jump straight to any part:
The RAM & Storage Memory Crisis: What’s Actually Happening?
In short, demand has exploded while supply has tightened.
Global memory manufacturers are diverting huge portions of their production away from consumer RAM and SSDs, and towards specialised memory used in AI systems and data centres. This includes High Bandwidth Memory, which is essential for running large AI models.
The result is a sudden shortage of the standard RAM and storage used in everyday devices. Prices have responded exactly how you’d expect.
In some cases, RAM pricing has increased by several hundred percent in a matter of weeks. SSD prices have risen sharply too, with manufacturers warning that further increases are likely if supply doesn’t improve.
This isn’t just a PC problem. Memory and storage are foundational components. When their prices jump, everything else follows.
Why AI Is Driving the Shortage
AI isn’t just software — it’s hardware-hungry.
Training and running modern AI systems requires enormous amounts of fast memory. To meet that demand, companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are prioritising AI-focused memory production over consumer-grade components.
That means fewer RAM chips for laptops, desktops, phones, consoles, and tablets. Large companies are now competing for a shrinking pool of supply, and smaller manufacturers are being priced out entirely.
Once stock becomes scarce, prices rise fast. And that cost doesn’t stay at factory level — it moves straight down the chain.
How This Affects You (Probably More Than You Think)
Memory and storage exist in almost every modern device. Not just computers and phones, but cars, appliances, smart home tech, network equipment — even things you’d never normally think about.
When the price of something this fundamental jumps by 300, 400, or even 500 percent, no manufacturer can absorb it. The money has to come from somewhere.
That usually means higher prices, lower specifications, or a combination of both. Devices that once came with generous amounts of RAM may now ship with the bare minimum. Upgrades that used to be affordable suddenly aren’t.
In other words, everything quietly gets worse value.
When Will RAM & SSD Prices Come Back Down?
That’s the big question — and the honest answer is that nobody knows for certain.
Memory markets are cyclical. When demand surges, manufacturers rush to meet it. If that demand later cools, the market can swing the other way very quickly.
If investment in AI starts to slow, data centre expansion pauses, or expected returns fail to materialise, demand for memory could drop sharply. At that point, warehouses fill up, prices fall, and the whole cycle reverses.
If that happens, today’s shortage could turn into tomorrow’s oversupply.
Our Take at Bluesdigital
We’ve seen this pattern before. Every major tech boom creates pressure on supply, and that pressure is often amplified by speculation and short-term profit chasing.
Eventually, though, high prices hurt sales. When consumers stop upgrading, manufacturers are forced to respond. Production ramps up, new suppliers enter the market, and pricing stabilises.
For now, our advice is simple: don’t rush upgrades unless you really need to. If you can wait, waiting may save you a lot of money. Refurbished tech is also a solid option while the market settles.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to upgrade, or you want honest advice rather than sales pressure, just get in touch. We’re always happy to talk it through.
For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Newtown Driving Test Centre )| Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823
Let’s be honest, we’ve seen it and you likely have too: Canva has revolutionised the way some of our clients design for print. It is both easy and accessible and it gives anyone the confidence to create. But when it comes to print? That confidence can quickly falter. Odd sizes, missing bleed, low-resolution images—sound familiar?
Designing in Canva is quick and intuitive. But when it comes to printing, a few common errors can turn a great design into a disappointing final product. Whether you’re creating art prints, stickers, packaging or business cards, the difference between good enough and professional often comes down to the details.
Here are the most common Canva print mistakes we see at Bluesdigital — and how you can avoid them like a true Print Sorcerer.
Ignoring Bleed and Margins
The mistake:designing right to the edge of your canvas, or placing text too close to the trim line. The fix: In Canva, go to File → Show print bleed and extend background elements past the bleed line Keep important text and logos at least 3mm inside the trim edge This prevents unwanted white borders or cropped content Adding bleed ensures your design trims cleanly and professionally.
Exporting in the Wrong Format
The mistake: exporting as PNG or a standard PDF with no crop marks or bleed. The fix: Always export as PDF Print Tick “Crop marks and bleed” before downloading Bluesdigital automatically converts RGB to CMYK, but supplying a high-res file ensures sharp, accurate print
This one step avoids the most common file rejection issues.
Using Low-Resolution Images
The mistake: dropping in screenshots or web images that look fine on screen but print pixelated. The fix: Use 300dpi (high-resolution) images wherever possible Avoid enlarging small graphics — Canva won’t warn you if quality is too low Zoom in to 200% in Canva before downloading. If it looks fuzzy, it will print fuzzy
High-resolution files are essential for art prints, photography and any design with fine detail.
Choosing Colours that don’t print well
The mistake: relying on neon tones or highly saturated blends that don’t translate to print. The fix: Use more muted, print-friendly tones where possible Avoid screen-only colours like electric blue or lime green Bluesdigital converts RGB to CMYK automatically, but it helps to design with realistic colours in mind
Remember: colours on your screen are lit pixels. Print is ink on paper — they’ll never look identical.
Overcomplicating the Layout
The mistake: packing too many elements into one design, leaving it cluttered and hard to read. The fix: Follow “less is more,” especially on smaller items like business cards and labels Leave breathing room with white space Use Canva’s alignment tools to keep everything consistent
A clean layout prints better, looks more premium, and is easier for customers to engage with.
Avoid the Guesswork
Print shouldn’t be trial and error. By applying a few simple rules — add bleed, export correctly, use high-res images, choose realistic colours, and simplify your layouts — you’ll create Canva designs that print perfectly the first time.
At Bluesdigital, we combine expert printing with built-in file checks so you don’t have to second-guess. It’s not just print. It’s PRINT
As Halloween creeps closer, it feels only right to share a few of our own secrets — but don’t worry, these won’t haunt you. Here are our top three secrets to building a reliable, low-maintenance PC that’ll stay alive and kicking for years.
1. Invest in a Quality Case
Sure, a cheap case will get you started, but poorly machined mounts, tight spaces, and chaotic wiring make assembly a headache—and future maintenance a nightmare. Spend 10–20% more on a quality enclosure, and putting the machine together becomes a breeze, leaving extra time to create a clean, beautiful wiring layout.
2. Choose Mature Components
Cutting-edge isn’t always best. Think of it like a sports car: fast and exciting, but high-maintenance. We prefer parts that have been on the market for a while—bugs are usually ironed out, leaving you with a stable workhorse that performs reliably for years.
3. Don’t Overlook the Power Supply
The PSU is one of the most overlooked components. Low-quality “high power” units often run at 75–90% load, stressing your components and failing after a few years. At Bluesdigital, we use top-tier power supplies running at just 10–15% load, ensuring a lifespan of 15–20 years while improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Built to Last
A great PC isn’t about having the newest parts—it’s about balance. By prioritizing reliability, stability, and ease of maintenance, you get a dependable tool that serves you for years with minimal fuss.
Way back in 2008, one of our long-time customers came to Bluesdigital looking for a business PC that lasts. His only requests? Something reliable enough to handle his work — and lights that made it look the part.
Fast forward 16 years later, and that same machine was still powering his business. We only saw it a handful of times in all those years, for a couple of services and a hard drive replacement. That’s how tough our systems are built.
But with new software needing Windows 11 compatibility, it was finally time for an upgrade. Instead of going anywhere else, he picked up one of our Premium Refurbished PCs. These aren’t your standard refurbs — they come with a 5-year warranty, rock-solid performance, and the best local support around.
He loved the new machine so much (yep, prettier lights included) that he also ordered our Hand-Built PC’s Ych Brych, so we have had a great time getting everything just right. We’ll be setting it up for him on-site tonight, moving over all his data so his workday doesn’t skip a beat.
This is why we love what we do. When we say our systems last — we mean it. And when it’s time to move forward, we’re right there to help.
Had an urgent message from one of my e-commerce website clients just after 7am this morning. There had been well over 100 orders placed (for the same item) that had failed. On went the “Deerstalker” and into Sherlock mode….
After a little investigation, I noticed that every order had the same I.P Address, meaning they all came from the same location. Another thing was that every email address, although different, were constructed in the same way. Customers Name 4x numbers @ whatever.com.
This means the email addresses were probably set up via a poorly written bot’ or naughty AI program. That way, the dodgy git would then change the delivery address via the fake email. So they can get they’re hands on your goods.
You may have heard about lists of stolen card details circulating on the “Dark Web”, which poses a serious risk to website security. This is an example of how they are used.
Thankfully Bluesdigital, PayPal & the cardholders companies are wise to this type of low I.Q attack.
E-commerce website all sorted before my first coffee!
🔍 Need a watchful eye on your own website?
Automated attacks and “dodgy gits” are part of life online, but you shouldn’t have to lose sleep over them. If you’re looking for web design in Newtown that comes with a bit of common sense and quick support, I’m here to help.
Whether it’s building a secure e-commerce shop or fixing a “fiddly” tech issue, I make sure your site stays up and running. This allows you to focus on your day.
📱 01686 610 106 | 💬 0783 222 7823 📍 Newtown’s local tech expert since 2006.
