Google has confirmed that the prices of Pixel 11 will be increasing due to rising RAM costs.

      The RAM crisis may finally compel Android to enhance its efficiency.

      Google has announced that the forthcoming Pixel 11 series will be subject to price increases due to an acute, supplier-driven memory crisis.

      In an interview with 9to5Google, Google Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat indicated that memory prices have surged to unprecedented levels in the industry. He referenced Morgan Stanley data showing that the price of 1GB of RAM has escalated from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 this year.

      Google stated that it has absorbed the increased costs for as long as it could but can no longer protect consumers from them. Price changes are imminent across the Pixel lineup, including the Pixel 11 series. Specific prices will be revealed at Google’s event on August 12.

      Recent leaks regarding Pixel 11 pricing now make more sense.

      Earlier leaks indicated that the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro might launch at a price point $100 higher than their predecessors. Additionally, both models are expected to increase their base storage from 128GB to 256GB, which may help alleviate the impact of the higher starting price.

      The Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold seem less flexible, as leaked prices suggest a straightforward $100 increase. The entry-level Pixel 11 Pro may also reduce its RAM from 16GB to 12GB as Google attempts to manage component costs. Other existing Pixel devices may also see price hikes, though the company has not specified which models will be impacted.

      Could Android finally learn to function efficiently with less RAM?

      There might be a silver lining to the rise in memory prices. Google has initiated a focused effort to decrease the RAM requirements for Android and the broader app ecosystem.

      Apple has long enjoyed advantages from controlling both the hardware and software of its devices, allowing iPhones to perform efficiently with less memory than many Android competitors. In contrast, Android needs to accommodate a far wider array of devices, chipsets, and manufacturer-specific software, complicating the optimization process.

      Google is confident that its management of Android, Tensor processors, and on-device AI can enhance the loading and execution efficiency of models. Consequently, future Pixel phones might offer a similar user experience while requiring less RAM. However, it remains uncertain whether these advancements will also extend to devices running Samsung’s One UI, Oppo’s ColorOS, Xiaomi’s HyperOS, and other versions of Android.

      The prospect of ultra-affordable phones for children and seniors is virtually gone due to AI.

      AI's demand for memory chips has rendered budget smartphones unviable to manufacture.

      That $100 phone you planned to get for your child’s first device or to pass on to your grandmother may soon be unattainable. The insatiable need for memory chips from AI has made producing budget phones nearly impossible.

      How dire is the situation?

      Apple’s new Upgrade program is set to launch on Tuesday with significant changes.

      Apple's upcoming leasing program may exclude AppleCare coverage from the package.

      Acquiring your next Apple device could soon resemble leasing a vehicle. Apple will introduce its new Apple Upgrade program on Tuesday, July 28, replacing new registrations in the longstanding iPhone Upgrade Program with a lease-based model covering iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Supported by Klarna, the program aims to reduce the upfront costs of Apple's premium devices, but it raises concerns about whether you'll own what you're actually paying for.

      Preparing your dorm desk? Here are the phone stands I would actually consider purchasing.

      From a $2 folding stand to a three-in-one Apple charging dock, these are the phone stands worth investing in this semester.

      A phone stand is one of the most minor items on any back-to-school shopping list, yet it’s also one of the easiest mistakes to make, as there are countless options available on Amazon. A quality phone stand should perform its function well and, most importantly, remain budget-friendly.

      This product category doesn’t necessitate hefty spending, unless a MagSafe dock or a multi-device charging station is genuinely beneficial for your desk or dorm arrangement. This is why the list starts with the most economical options and progresses to the pricier selections. From a two-pack that costs roughly the same as a coffee to a three-in-one Apple charging station, I’ve selected eight of Amazon's top-rated phone stands worth considering this back-to-school period.