TrendForce reports that CPU, DRAM, and SSD components currently represent approximately 68% of the bill of materials for mainstream laptops priced at $900. These rising costs are creating significant pressure on manufacturers, who must decide whether to absorb expenses or pass them on to end users.
The firm notes that high component prices may force brands to adjust device specifications, such as reducing memory capacity, to maintain profitability. If manufacturers choose to pass the full cost burden to consumers, laptop shipments could see a decline in the high-single-digit range during 2027.
While manufacturers may benefit from improved CPU availability and inventory stocking in 2026, this does not necessarily signal strong market demand. Many customers have already upgraded their hardware early, which is expected to dampen consumer interest in purchasing new devices throughout 2027.
Supply constraints for DRAM are expected to persist due to high demand from the AI sector, though NAND flash availability may improve in the second half of 2027. Manufacturers face a difficult balancing act between maintaining retail pricing, hardware specifications, and profit margins.
