DRAM shortages are about to kneecap the whole laptop market. That's the word from analysts at TrendForce, who just slashed their 2026 shipment forecast because companies can't get enough memory chips. They now predict a 5.4 percent drop in global notebook shipments, down to about 173 million units, and things could get twice as bad if the shortage drags on. This crunch is forcing PC makers to scramble, with some even considering making measly 8GB RAM the new normal on basic notebooks to cope with high prices and low supply.
In this mess, Apple and Lenovo are sitting relatively pretty. Apple, with its planned low-cost MacBook and new MacBook Air models using the M5 chip, is expected to weather the storm way better than its rivals. The company's deep, long-term deals with big memory suppliers like Samsung and SK hynix, plus its predictable buying habits and strong pricing power, give it a major edge. This control lets Apple keep its product roadmap on track, including a rumored 12.9-inch budget Mac and refreshed MacBook Pro models, without having to gut specs or jack up prices as much as everyone else.
Basically, while other brands will be forced to choose between selling overpriced or underpowered machines, Apple's locked-in supply chain should let it launch competitively specced devices. That advantage, highlighted in the analyst report, is why Apple might actually gain ground even while the overall market shrinks. The company's massive, steady orders for components, like the LPDDR5X chips Samsung is providing for future iPhones, guarantee it gets priority treatment from vendors when supplies are tight for everyone else.
In this mess, Apple and Lenovo are sitting relatively pretty. Apple, with its planned low-cost MacBook and new MacBook Air models using the M5 chip, is expected to weather the storm way better than its rivals. The company's deep, long-term deals with big memory suppliers like Samsung and SK hynix, plus its predictable buying habits and strong pricing power, give it a major edge. This control lets Apple keep its product roadmap on track, including a rumored 12.9-inch budget Mac and refreshed MacBook Pro models, without having to gut specs or jack up prices as much as everyone else.
Basically, while other brands will be forced to choose between selling overpriced or underpowered machines, Apple's locked-in supply chain should let it launch competitively specced devices. That advantage, highlighted in the analyst report, is why Apple might actually gain ground even while the overall market shrinks. The company's massive, steady orders for components, like the LPDDR5X chips Samsung is providing for future iPhones, guarantee it gets priority treatment from vendors when supplies are tight for everyone else.
