Observed Signal · Sep 19, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: t3n · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
RAM Shortage Raises Used Smartphone Prices on B-Stock
An analysis by B2B resale portal B-Stock shows that used smartphones are fetching higher prices due to market shifts. In the first half of 2026, Grade C devices overtook Grade D as the most sold, capturing 37.8% of sales. Prices for devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max have risen, averaging $940 in the last quarter. B-Stock suggests manufacturers are buying older devices to recover components like cameras and displays, driven by the ongoing RAM crisis. This trend may help mitigate rising device costs, though major manufacturers are still raising prices for new smartphones.
Specialized analysis on used smartphone pricing due to RAM shortage; relevant but niche, not directly adtech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- B-Stock analysis shows Grade C smartphones accounted for 37.8% of sales in H1 2026.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max averaged $940 in resale value in the last quarter.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra averaged $425 in June 2026.
- B-Stock attributes higher prices to manufacturers buying old devices for component recovery.
- The ongoing RAM crisis is cited as a driver for component recovery.
- Original article published on 14.09.2026, updated and re-released.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Resale Market for Used Smartphones Growing
An analysis by B2B resale portal B-Stock indicates that the resale value of used smartphones has increased in recent months, making it worthwhile for consumers to sell old devices. The market has seen a rise in prices for devices in various conditions, with C-grade devices now outselling D-grade ones. Specific examples include the iPhone 17 Pro Max averaging $940 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra reaching $425 after the Galaxy S26 launch. B-Stock suggests that manufacturers are buying older devices to recover valuable components for reuse, which is becoming increasingly important due to the RAM crisis. This trend may help stabilize device prices, though major manufacturers still prefer raising new device prices.
Smartphone Shipments Set for Historic Decline Amid RAM Shortage
Analyst firms IDC and Counterpoint predict a sharp decline in global smartphone shipments in 2026 driven by a RAM shortage caused by rising demand from AI and data-center infrastructure. IDC forecasts a 12.9% year‑over‑year drop to about 1.12 billion units (from 1.26 billion in 2025), while Counterpoint estimates a 12% decline. The shortage is expected to push average selling prices up (IDC projects a 14% increase to a record $523), disproportionately harming low‑end and sub‑$200 segments, accelerating vendor consolidation, and boosting secondary handset markets. IDC expects RAM prices to stabilize by mid‑2027. Regional impacts include declines of more than 20% in the Middle East & Africa, ~10.5% in China, and ~13.1% in broader Asia Pacific (ex‑Japan).
Global RAM Shortage to Slash Smartphone Shipments by 12%
Rising RAM demand from AI compute and data centers has triggered a global memory shortage and sharp price increases. Analyst firm IDC forecasts smartphone shipments will fall 12.9% in 2026 to about 1.12 billion units (from 1.26 billion in 2025). Counterpoint issued a similar forecast, projecting a 12% decline and warning low-end segments will be hit hardest. IDC expects average selling prices (ASP) to rise ~14% to a record $523 and predicts regional shipment falls exceeding 20% in the Middle East & Africa, with China and Asia Pacific (ex‑Japan) down ~10.5% and 13.1% respectively. Firms expect LPDDR4 supply constraints, OEM launch delays, spec trade‑offs and second‑hand market growth; IDC forecasts RAM prices stabilizing by mid‑2027.
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