TV Prices Set to Rise in 2026 Due to RAM Crisis Impact

Television prices are expected to increase significantly in 2026, driven not by advancements in technology but rather by a crisis in memory supply. This trend was highlighted during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) when Samsung announced its new TV lineup and cautioned consumers about upcoming price hikes. The company attributed these increases to the escalating demand for DRAM and RAM, essential components for data centers that support artificial intelligence applications such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

Samsung’s President and Head of Global Marketing, Wonjin Lee, addressed the issue directly in an interview with Bloomberg. He noted that the ongoing shortage in semiconductor supplies is impacting the entire electronics industry. “There’s going to be issues around semiconductor supplies, and it’s going to affect everyone. Prices are going up even as we speak,” Lee stated. He emphasized that while Samsung strives to avoid passing these costs onto consumers, the company may have no choice but to adjust its pricing strategy.

Samsung’s position as a leading supplier of DRAM and solid-state drives (SSDs) gives it certain advantages over competitors such as LG, Hisense, and TCL. These brands are likely to face greater challenges in managing increased component costs. According to market research firm Omdia, the price of TV-specific DRAM has surged by 50%, and the cost of Flash NAND eMMC memory has doubled over the past year. These trends signal that significant price increases across various electronic devices, including televisions, are likely.

As manufacturers navigate these challenges, some companies have begun to strengthen their relationships with suppliers. Kenneth Hong, Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations at Hisense, acknowledged the pressures on the supply chain. “The memory supply is putting some pressure on our supply chain, ergo, we have and are strengthening collaboration with our suppliers,” Hong explained. He added that, so far, the RAM crisis has not materially impacted their delivery plans.

In contrast, LG has not yet provided details regarding potential price changes for its 2026 TV models. A company spokesperson indicated that pricing announcements are forthcoming, but initial production for models such as the LG C6 and G6 may already be underway. Rising component costs could lead to more expensive OLED televisions from LG.

The potential for increased TV prices has raised concerns among consumers and industry analysts alike. Although the current situation suggests that 2026 may see higher launch prices, history shows that prices for televisions often decrease rapidly after their initial release. Many manufacturers implement steep discounts within months, particularly during holiday sales.

For consumers uncertain about the impact of these changes, several options remain. Previous models from 2025 and 2024 are still available and are expected to see significant discounts as retailers aim to clear inventory before the new models arrive. Depending on the final pricing for 2026 televisions, opting for earlier models could prove to be a prudent choice.

As the year progresses, further clarity on pricing is expected. Official announcements regarding television prices typically emerge in March or April, allowing consumers to better gauge their options in light of the evolving market landscape. Until then, the industry watches closely as manufacturers adapt to the challenges posed by the RAM crisis and its broader implications for electronics pricing.