Samsung Warns the RAM Shortage Will Get Worse in 2027

Samsung has warned that the global RAM shortage is not near its peak. In its latest earnings presentation, the company said supply conditions will be tighter in 2027 than in 2026, and that the fallout will still be felt in 2028.

The warning comes as Samsung reports record quarterly revenue of roughly the equivalent of 146.3 billion dollars. Its semiconductor division grew sales by 15% and brought in more than 110 billion dollars over the period, driven by strong demand for components used in AI servers and data centers.

AI demand keeps absorbing supply

One slide in the presentation addresses the issue directly. According to the company, capital spending on AI infrastructure will accelerate as the AI ecosystem expands, and the sharp rise in AI-driven demand is likely to worsen supply shortages compared with calendar year 2026.

Samsung also said its entire 2027 output of HBM4 high-bandwidth memory is already sold. Mass production of the next generation, HBM4E, is set to begin in the first half of next year and ramp up in the second half. The company also pointed to growing demand for DDR5 modules and server solid-state drives.

A company executive said the ongoing shift of bit production away from conventional DRAM toward HBM should act as a physical constraint on supply. Samsung believes the effects will persist beyond 2027 even if it raises its investment in capacity.

What it means for consumers

If Samsung's outlook proves right, chipmakers will remain heavily focused on supplying AI infrastructure. That leaves less memory and storage for consumer electronics, which keeps component costs high and pushes up prices for phones, PCs and other devices.

For buyers, the message is that relief is unlikely in the near term. The shortage that has already raised the price of many gadgets looks set to last at least two more years.