Memory efficiency: Apple's new competitive advantage
AI-driven memory demand is raising memory prices, forcing manufacturers to increase device prices and integrate more on-device memory for edge intelligence.
Counterpoint: smartphone market will shrink in 2026, prices will rise due to RAM shortages
Rising memory prices will shrink the global smartphone market by 2.1% in 2026 and increase component costs and ASPs, pressuring OEMs' shipments and margins.
Increased memory raises cumulative energy costs at scale, Apple emphasizes higher performance-per-watt, and rising memory prices like Samsung's 60% hike increase budgetary and sustainability pressures.