TrendForce estimates that the CPU, memory, and storage now account for 68 percent of a mainstream laptop's material cost. They predict manufacturers will cut memory to protect margins next year. Expect more 8GB machines, not fewer. However, do not let that trick you into buying one. 16GB is now the new minimum standard. Until 2024, 8GB was the unofficial norm. In May, Microsoft launched the Copilot+ PC program, making 16GB mandatory for any laptop sold under that label. In October, Apple doubled the base memory of the MacBook Air from 8GB to 16GB, keeping the $999 price tag.
Then came 2026. A grim TrendForce forecast estimated that the prices PC makers pay memory suppliers will jump 90 to 95 percent in the first quarter. Apple launched the MacBook Neo in March as the only current Mac with less than 16GB. Dell’s 2026 XPS 13 returned to sales with an 8GB base model. Since 4GB is the absolute minimum for Windows 11, the base XPS 13 technically has double the required amount. Yet, testing showed 80 percent of its memory was already allocated to invisible processes right after boot. Opening a browser pushed usage to 95 percent, causing noticeable lag.
Dell charges $200 to upgrade the XPS 13 from 8GB to 16GB, raising the price to $899 with 256GB storage. That is steep for 8GB, but you only decide once. Our review found that all users, except the most passive, should pay for the upgrade. Apple Neo does not offer this option. The cheapest 16GB Mac is now the M5 MacBook Air at $1,299. That is $300 more than the M2 Air with 16GB at the end of 2024. The M5 Air comes with double the base storage compared to the M2.
Laptops with memory slots allow you to start small and add more memory when prices drop. Last year’s 16GB models are worth a look while stock lasts. Acer CEO Jason Chen expects PC prices to rise another 5 to 20 percent by year-end, peaking in the first half of 2027. He accused memory makers of exaggerating the shortage to protect margins. Even the most optimistic forecasts predict laptops will get more expensive before becoming cheaper again. An 8GB laptop bought today will still have only 8GB when prices eventually fall.