Laptop Prices to Rise Up to 40% by 2026 on AI Demand

Laptop prices are poised for a substantial increase of up to 40 percent by 2026, driven by shortages in key components exacerbated by surging demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure, industry analysts have warned.

The forecast comes amid rising costs for memory modules, solid-state drives and processors, which are straining manufacturers and retailers worldwide. According to TrendForce, these components, which previously accounted for about 15 percent of a laptop's bill of materials, could exceed 30 percent by early 2026. When combined with processor expenses, their share may reach 45 to 58 percent of total production costs. For a mainstream model currently priced at around $900, this could translate to a retail price of $1,260 or more, assuming companies maintain existing profit margins.

Intel has already implemented price hikes of more than 15 percent on select entry-level and last-generation notebook processors, with plans for further increases on mid- to high-end models in the second quarter of 2026. Analysts attribute the pressure to AI-related workloads, where data centers and hyperscalers are prioritizing high-bandwidth memory and high-performance chips. This...