From TechRadar · · 1m 50s
RAM shortage to last until 2030, SK Hynix warns
Memory chip maker SK Hynix predicts supply crisis will persist through the decade, then robots will drive demand even higher.
In brief
Memory chip maker SK Hynix predicts supply crisis will persist through the decade, then robots will drive demand even higher. SK Hynix forecasts RAM shortages lasting until 2030, with future demand driven by autonomous vehicles and robots needing hundreds of gigabytes of memory each. Originally reported by TechRadar.
SK Hynix reports Q3 results
Memory chip maker SK Hynix published its Q3 2026 financial results, which included a stark prediction about the ongoing RAM crisis.
Supply shortage to persist through 2030
SK Hynix announced that memory supply shortage will persist through 2030, stating demand exceeds supply and will continue to do so.
“Memory supply shortage to persist through 2030.”
Why the shortage will last so long
SK Hynix cited technical difficulty of leading-edge processes and long lead times required to build new production facilities as reasons for the extended shortage.
Q3 revenue hits record high
SK Hynix revenue exceeded one hundred trillion won in Q3, the first time that has ever happened in a quarter, driven by enterprise and AI demand.
Robots will drive future demand
SK Hynix predicts that over the mid-to-long term, demand for memory will be driven by physical AI such as autonomous driving and robotics.
Micron makes same prediction
Micron, another major memory maker, is predicting the same thing and estimates humanoid robots could need two hundred gigabytes or more of RAM and multiple terabytes of storage.
Chip makers see virtuous cycle
SK Hynix asserts that AI-powered productivity gains driving infrastructure investment will continue and broaden to include general enterprises and nation-level initiatives.
Consumers face prolonged pain
While chip makers benefit from the shortage, PC owners and gamers face continued high memory prices as supply constraints persist through the rest of this decade.
The main idea
SK Hynix forecasts RAM shortages lasting until 2030, with future demand driven by autonomous vehicles and robots needing hundreds of gigabytes of memory each.
