As businesses try and navigate an already challenging environment, many will soon encounter another unwelcome barrier: business laptop and device prices are set to rise sharply. A global shortage of memory components, particularly Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and high‑bandwidth memory (HBM), is being driven by unprecedented demand from AI data centres.
Information technology is set to cost significantly more in 2026. Acting early to upgrade a tech fleet using leasing will lock in prices now, conserve working capital and funding lines, and protect your cashflow.
The cost pressures that businesses are already starting to face are the direct result of a shift in global semiconductor manufacturing, driven largely by rising demand from AI data centres.
Major AI data centre operators such as Nvidia, AMD, Google, and OpenAI are purchasing enormous quantities of high‑bandwidth memory to power next‑generation AI models. These systems require vast memory banks per chip, and manufacturers simply cannot keep up.
AI‑centric memory will consume around 70% of global memory production in 2026, according to a report from TrendForce, leaving limited supply for other consumers.
Manufacturers are reallocating production capacity away from consumer‑grade DRAM toward higher‑margin HBM for AI systems. The result? DRAM prices are projected to rise sharply, as much as 55% in the first quarter of 2026
This pressure spills directly into manufacturing costs. Memory and storage components, which typically account for around 12-15% of a laptop’s total manufacturing cost, are expected to climb to 23% in 2026.
Demand for AI-centric devices is driving costs upwards. This demand is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.
For businesses already feeling financial pressure, these global dynamics will have real and immediate impacts.
Where replacing a fleet of mid‑range laptops previously fitted within your financial budgeting, 2026 pricing could push the replacements well out of reach.
As devices become more expensive, regular refresh cycles become challenging to maintain as capital expenditure will rise for the purchase of new tech. Delaying refreshes may result in compromised business performance.
Aside from the increase in standard device costs, AI-powered laptops equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for better processing of AI workloads are becoming increasingly popular.
AI laptops promise significant productivity gains, faster data processing, improved privacy, and less reliance on cloud services. This comes with a catch: higher prices and the need for frequent upgrades and lifecycle management to better manage security and performance in the dynamic world of AI.
If memory component prices continue their current trajectory, prices for business devices may increase multiple times over the next 12 months.
Businesses that have a planned bulk purchase on the horizon are at risk of being caught at the peak of these surges. Leasing can smooth the impact on cashflow.
With device prices surging unpredictably, leasing offers businesses an opportunity to maintain a high-quality, fit-for-purpose technology fleet without absorbing the full impact of rising hardware costs today.
Leasing smooths the sharp price fluctuations caused by global component shortages. Businesses pay a fixed monthly amount, regardless of market volatility, instead of an inflated lump sum at purchase.
Instead of compromising on RAM or storage due to inflated prices, businesses can lease higher‑spec devices that better support their needs by choosing a leasing solution that releases the pressure of using working capital or funding lines. This means they won't need to invest as much capital to get the devices they need, when they need them.
Avoid outdated devices by refreshing every three years without eating up a significant amount of your capital when purchasing outright.
Quadrent can work with your preferred IT reseller to tailor a lease solution to fit your business needs without compromising user experience.
Quadrent supports small, medium, and enterprise businesses with flexible, cost‑effective leasing models that give certainty in uncertain times. If your business expects to refresh its device fleet soon, or simply wants to avoid the financial strain of the 2026 tech price surge, now is the perfect time to explore a tailored leasing strategy.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how a customised leasing solution can future‑proof managing your IT fleet requirements.