The memory crisis could lead to the return of expandable storage in smartphones.

      Smartphones are becoming increasingly pricey, but expandable storage may offer a solution.

      The persistent memory shortage is beginning to affect smartphone manufacturers, with consumers witnessing the consequences through rising prices and specifications.

      Recent reports indicate that the cost of high-end RAM and storage options has exceeded that of flagship processors, making a significant change in smartphone construction. This is notable as the processor was typically the most costly component, but now, it appears that memory is taking that top position.

      What's the challenge?

      The issue is straightforward. The heightened demand for AI has triggered a steep increase in memory prices. AI data centers and services are consuming high-speed storage and RAM chips, leading to soaring costs for flagship configurations such as 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Even mid-range devices are maintaining 8GB RAM, forcing brands to either reduce specifications or hike prices to preserve profit margins.

      A modern challenge, a familiar resolution

      Here’s where it becomes intriguing.

      Instead of persisting with the trend of “more internal storage each year,” smartphone manufacturers could reconsider an older, dependable solution: expandable storage through microSD cards, especially using hybrid SIM slots. For those unfamiliar, hybrid SIM slots allow users to opt for dual SIMs or one SIM combined with a microSD card.

      Why hybrid storage might make a comeback

      Expandable storage addresses a specific need by enabling users to enhance their device's storage capacity. Rather than selling phones with costly 512GB or 1TB internal storage, brands could reduce the standard storage to 128GB or 256GB and permit users to augment it with microSD cards.

      However, this approach comes with genuine trade-offs.

      There is a reason companies moved away from microSD cards initially. External storage cards tend to operate at slower speeds compared to internal storage, provide less control over performance consistency, and can lead to fragmentation in user experience.

      Tech journalist and product reviewer Sean specializes in consumer electronics and has covered a wide range of topics, from flagship products to emerging technologies.

      Apple takes a step into ad territory within Maps

      Apple is venturing into advertising within Apple Maps, following a model similar to Google Maps, which has the potential to reshape how a billion users discover, navigate, and engage with the app.

      Apple has officially decided to implement ads in Apple Maps, enabling businesses to purchase visual space within the app’s search results. The company’s services division is already generating over $100 billion annually, and monetizing Maps would be a logical progression. The app is utilized by millions across iPhones, Apple Watches, and CarPlay dashboards, making it an ideal platform for targeted advertising.

      iPhone Air outselling Samsung’s slim phone and Apple's retired Plus model

      The iPhone Air has dramatically outsold the Plus model and is outperforming Samsung's sleek phone by a ratio of 3 to 1.

      My favorite contemporary iPhone was the iPhone 13 Mini. It addressed the battery issues of the iPhone 12 Mini while maintaining the convenient one-handed design. However, it did not achieve sufficient sales, leading Apple to discontinue it in favor of a Plus model. Even the Plus model struggled to captivate customers, and Apple quietly phased it out last year, replacing it with the sleeker iPhone Air. Initial reports indicated that the iPhone Air was underperforming, but new data from Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence suggests these assertions may have been exaggerated.

      Sharing files on Galaxy S26 simplified with AirDrop support

      Samsung enhances Quick Share to function more like Apple’s AirDrop across regions.

      Sharing files on your phone has become more straightforward if you're using Samsung's latest device. The Galaxy S26 is incorporating AirDrop-style support through an update to its sharing system, starting March 23. This update introduces a more familiar method for sending photos, videos, and files between devices without relying on additional apps or complicated methods, which is particularly beneficial for users switching between platforms or who have experienced inconsistent transfer options in the past.