Memory Shortage Forces Hardware Redesigns Through 2027

A severe global memory shortage is forcing independent smartphone and laptop manufacturers to implement drastic redesigns and cost-passing measures. Industry leaders, including the CEO of SK Hynix, warn that demand will outstrip capacity beyond 2030, with 2027 projected as the worst year for supply in the history of the industry.

Fairphone, Jolla, and Framework have adopted specific survival strategies to maintain production. Jolla is utilizing motherboard variants to swap chip packages and stress-testing batches to identify refurbished fakes. Framework is leveraging modular memory to allow customers to salvage parts from older machines and using non-cancellable advance orders to secure its supply chain.

Counterpoint Research forecasts a record 13.9 percent decline in smartphone shipments this year, as rising memory costs make entry-level devices uneconomical to produce. While DRAM contract prices are increasing at a slower rate than they did at the start of the year, executives maintain that availability remains the primary constraint for smaller market players. Sami Pienimäki, CEO of Jolla, expects supply to normalize only starting in 2028.