Your next Samsung gadget—including the upcoming Galaxy S26—may cost more than expected thanks to the global memory shortage.

According to Samsung’s co-CEO, TM Roh, the company won't be able to avoid the ongoing problems with supplying DRAM for its devices. "As this situation is unprecedented, no company is immune to its impact," Roh tells Reuters. When asked if Samsung intends to increase prices, Roh deflected, saying only that adjustments are "inevitable."

To that end, South Korea’s 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’s 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. "We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible," he said.

It’s unclear exactly which devices Roh is referring to, but it’s likely the brand’s smartphones and tablets, which include Google’s 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.

By: DocMemory
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