As schools plan their 2026 digital learning budgets, many will encounter an unwelcome barrier: laptop and device prices are set to rise sharply. A global shortage of memory components, particularly Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and high‑bandwidth memory (HBM), is being driven by unprecedented demand from AI data centres.
Laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and other classroom essentials are set to cost significantly more in 2026. Acting early to upgrade a tech fleet will enable schools to explore more stable, predictable ways of equipping students and teachers with the right tech, especially with a leasing solution designed to mitigate cost volatility.
The cost pressures schools will face are the direct result of a shift in global semiconductor manufacturing.
Major AI data centre operators such as Nvidia, AMD, Google, and OpenAI are purchasing enormous quantities of high‑bandwidth memory to power next‑generation AI models. These systems require vast memory banks per chip, and manufacturers simply cannot keep up.
AI‑centric memory will consume around 70% of global memory production in 2026, according to a report from TrendForce, leaving limited supply for consumer devices, including laptops and tablets used in education.
Manufacturers are reallocating production capacity away from consumer‑grade DRAM toward higher‑margin HBM for AI systems. The result? DRAM prices are projected to rise sharply, as much as 55% in the first quarter of 2026
This pressure spills directly into manufacturing costs. Memory and storage components, which typically account for around 12-15% of a laptop’s total manufacturing cost, are expected to climb to 23% in 2026.
Rising manufacturing costs and spikes in demand are set to drive significant cost increases in 2026.
For schools operating under tight budgets, these global dynamics will have real and immediate impacts.
Where a mid‑range student laptop previously fit within budget, 2026 pricing could push the same model well out of reach.
"Due to the global shortage, the rise in memory prices is unavoidable," says Jackson Hsiao, Head Commercial Manager for Asus New Zealand. "It would be a shame to see schools having to compromise their user experience by reducing device RAM or storage simply to squeeze into a capital budget. We see leasing as the ideal way for schools to smooth the costs and still get the technology they need."
As devices become more expensive, annual or bi‑annual refresh cycles become challenging to maintain as capital expenditure will rise for the purchase of new tech, which may result in widening the digital equity gaps between schools.
If memory component prices continue their current trajectory, prices for education devices may increase multiple times over the next 12 months.
Schools that rely on bulk purchasing risk being caught at the peak of these surges. Leasing protects budgets from that.
With device prices surging unpredictably, leasing offers New Zealand schools an opportunity to maintain high-quality digital learning environments without absorbing the full impact of rising hardware costs.
Leasing smooths the sharp price fluctuations caused by global component shortages. Schools pay a fixed monthly or quarterly amount, regardless of market volatility, instead of an inflated lump sum at purchase.
Instead of compromising on RAM or storage due to inflated prices, schools can lease higher‑spec devices that better support modern learning needs, including digital exams and media‑rich applications, by choosing a leasing solution that fits their budget. This means they won't need to invest as much capital to get the devices they need, when they need them.
Avoid outdated devices by refreshing every three years. Students and teachers always have reliable, up‑to‑date technology that doesn't eat up a significant amount of your capital when purchasing outright.
Quadrent works with all IT resellers in the education industry. We can work with a school's preferred reseller to tailor a lease solution to fit the school's budget without compromising user experience.
Quadrent supports over 700 schools across New Zealand with flexible, cost‑effective education leasing models that give certainty in uncertain times. If your school expects to refresh its device fleet soon, or simply wants to avoid the financial strain of the 2026 tech price surge, now is the perfect time to explore a tailored leasing strategy.
Get in touch our team to discuss how a customised leasing solution can future‑proof your school’s digital learning environment.