Micron will stop selling Crucial consumer RAM in 2026 to prioritize memory shipments to AI data centers, a firm-level reallocation that will shrink retail supply of DRAM and SSDs and likely push up consumer upgrade prices and lead times. This is a direct corporate response to AI infrastructure demand rather than a temporary inventory blip.
— If component makers systematically prioritise AI/datacenter customers over retail, consumer electronics availability, device repair markets, and competition policy will become salient public issues requiring government attention.
msmash
2026.01.05
90% relevant
This article supplies a new instance of the pattern described by that idea: SanDisk/Western Digital is rebranding consumer SSD lines (WD Blue/Black → Optimus) at the same moment Micron reportedly discontinued Crucial consumer drives and RAM, and the story explicitly ties these moves to rising SSD prices driven by AI datacenter demand. Actors: SanDisk/WD, Micron; evidence: product retirements/rebrands and price volatility claims.
BeauHD
2025.12.03
100% relevant
Micron’s public statement that it will exit the Crucial consumer business in 2026 to 'improve supply and support' for larger, strategic (AI/data‑center) customers.
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