In the fast-paced world of consumer electronics, few components are as ubiquitous yet underappreciated as memory chips. As of November 2025, the global memory market—dominated by DRAM and NAND flash—has entered a turbulent phase, with prices surging to levels not seen in years. This escalation, driven largely by the insatiable demand for AI infrastructure, is sending shockwaves through supply chains, including niche sectors like shared powerbank manufacturing. What was once a stable, affordable accessory for urban dwellers is now facing price hikes that could reshape the industry, making on-the-go charging less accessible and prompting manufacturers to rethink strategies.The memory price boom is nothing short of dramatic. According to recent reports, DDR5 DRAM spot prices have skyrocketed by 307% since September 2025, with mainstream DDR4 chips climbing 4.75% in a single week to $12.757 per unit.

NAND flash, critical for storage in portable devices, has more than doubled in cost, with Phison’s CEO warning that all 2026 production is already sold out, signaling a “pricing apocalypse” for SSDs and related products through 2027. Year-over-year, DRAM prices have surged 171%, far outpacing even gold’s appreciation rate, while SanDisk’s November hike of 50% on NAND far exceeded industry expectations of 5-10%. Analysts at TrendForce project another 30% rise in Q4 2025, followed by 20% in early 2026, potentially doubling server memory costs by mid-year.

At the heart of this volatility is the AI revolution: hyperscalers like NVIDIA and Google are gobbling up high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for data centers, displacing consumer-grade chips and straining production lines. For shared powerbanks—those rentable, station-based chargers popularized in cities worldwide—these trends translate into tangible cost pressures. Unlike smartphones, where memory comprises 10-15% of the bill of materials (BOM), powerbanks rely on smaller but essential embedded memory components: NAND flash for data logging (usage tracking, location data, and firmware storage) and DRAM for real-time processing in smart stations. A typical shared powerbank unit, like those from Relink or Mobbi, incorporates 4-8GB of flash memory for IoT connectivity and anti-theft features, accounting for 5-10% of total production costs. With NAND prices up over 100%, manufacturers are facing a 10-20% spike in component expenses alone, per industry estimates.

Supply chain disruptions exacerbate this: fabs prioritizing AI chips have delayed consumer orders, leading to shortages that push spot prices even higher.

Take Shenzhen-based Relink, a key supplier in the shared powerbank ecosystem. Their OEM vending machines, equipped with 48-slot charging docks and integrated memory for user analytics, saw BOM costs rise 12% in Q3 2025 due to flash memory alone.

Globally, the sector—valued at $3.5 billion by 2033—could see average unit prices climb 10-15% in 2026, mirroring trends in notebooks and smartphones. Manufacturers are responding with a mix of innovation and cost-cutting. Some, like Relink, are shifting to lower-density memory alternatives or optimizing firmware to reduce storage needs, potentially shaving 5% off costs. Others are passing hikes directly to consumers: in Asia’s mature markets, rental rates have jumped 8-10%, prompting backlash on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users decry “AI greed” inflating everyday tech. Sustainability plays a role too—firms are exploring recycled NAND chips, though scalability remains limited amid the crunch.

For operators in high-density areas like Amsterdam or Milan, the math is stark: a 10% cost increase on 500-station networks translates to €50,000+ in annual expenses, squeezing expansions into emerging markets like the UAE.Consumers feel the pinch most acutely. In urban hubs reliant on shared powerbanks for seamless connectivity—think tourists at train stations or gig workers during shifts—these hikes compound “tech fatigue.” A 2025 survey by TechInsights revealed 65% of users would switch services if fees exceed €2/hour, risking market fragmentation.

Low-income demographics, already burdened by rising energy costs, may revert to personal chargers, undermining the sharing model’s eco-benefits: shared units reduce e-waste by 40% compared to disposables.Looking ahead, relief may not come soon. With AI demand projected to grow HBM usage 70% in 2025 and fabs pivoting en masse, commodity memory prices could double by mid-2026.

The shared powerbank industry, still nascent outside Asia, must adapt: vertical integration (in-house chip design) or diversified suppliers could mitigate risks. Policymakers might intervene via subsidies for green tech, but for now, the sector grapples with an unintended AI byproduct—higher barriers to ubiquitous charging.In essence, the 2025 memory surge underscores a broader tension: innovation’s double-edged sword. While powering AI breakthroughs, it inflates costs for mundane necessities like a quick phone top-up. As manufacturers like Relink navigate this storm, the hope is for balanced growth—lest shared powerbanks, symbols of connected convenience, become luxuries in their own right.