Shrinkflation Hits the Tech Industry: Gadgets Get More Expensive and Worse
By
Kyle Barr
A baker's-dozen of insight crammed into one ring.
Summary
The article discusses how shrinkflation is affecting the technology and gadget industry, particularly in 2026. Major semiconductor companies like SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron have adjusted their businesses to prioritize high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production, leading to higher prices and worse specs for consumer gadgets such as phones, PC components, and gaming products. The trend mirrors shrinkflation seen in grocery products, where consumers pay more for less.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledYou may have heard the term 'shrinkflation' used for a growing number of grocery products, like how your cereal costs more every year even though there is less Captain Crunch in the box.
Similarly, in 2026, everything from phones to PC components to boutique gaming products is not only more expensive, they're also getting worse.
The top major semiconductor companies who create the vast majority of memory components include the likes of SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron.
All three have adjusted their businesses for the sake of making the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) necessary...
RAM prices are forcing companies to choose between higher prices and worse specs. Some have decided on doing both.
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