ComputInsights #32 – Weekly Computing Market Insights

Market Growth

DRAM Supply Stagnates as Manufacturers Prioritize High-Bandwidth Memory for AI

Despite rapidly rising DRAM prices, major suppliers like Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron are not increasing DRAM output, redirecting wafer capacity toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM) due to stronger margins and surging AI demand. Most new investments – totalling around USD 54 billion – focus on improving HBM yields and stacking technologies rather than expanding traditional DRAM production. As manufacturers convert DRAM lines into HBM lines, global DRAM supply remains tight, with analysts expecting shortages and elevated prices to persist through 2027.

Tantalum Capacitor Shortages Intensify Amid AI Server Boom

Lead times for major tantalum capacitor suppliers have surged, with AVX and KEMET reaching 38 weeks and Vishay over 20 weeks. The primary driver is the rapid growth of AI server deployment, creating sustained supply pressures. Market relief is not expected in the near term, and prices continue to rise.

Company-Specific News

Apple Launches App Store Mini Apps Partner Program with Reduced Commission Incentives

Apple has introduced the App Store Mini Apps Partner Program, enabling apps that host mini apps and HTML5-based mini games to support In-App Purchases with a reduced 15% commission rate. To qualify, developers must integrate technologies such as the Declared Age Range API and Advanced Commerce API, ensuring safer and more seamless user experiences. The initiative supports the growing mini app ecosystem, partly tied to Apple’s arrangement with Tencent, and comes alongside new App Review Guideline updates focused on age-appropriate content controls.

Samsung Raises DDR5 Prices by Up to 60% as AI Demand Tightens Global DRAM Supply

Samsung has sharply increased contract DDR5 prices, up to 60% in some cases, with 32 GB enterprise modules jumping nearly 50% month-on-month. The surge is driven by overwhelming AI and data-center demand, which is consuming both DRAM and HBM capacity and constraining production for consumer markets. Other major suppliers like Micron and SK hynix may follow suit, setting the stage for higher retail prices and making memory upgrades significantly more expensive for PC builders and gamers.