San Francisco, CA – February 21, 2026 – Lenovo is preparing to adjust pricing on a wide range of its products, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, and related devices, as early as March. The move, prompted by ongoing shortages in the memory market, specifically DRAM and NAND flash storage, signals a challenging period for both the manufacturer and consumers. The company has communicated these impending changes to its partners, urging them to place orders quickly to secure current pricing.
The urgency stems from a global supply chain disruption impacting the availability and cost of critical components. According to a notice sent to partners on February 2, 2026, and reported by CRN, Lenovo is requesting expedited orders to benefit from existing price structures. The preferred deadline for orders is February 25, 2026, with a final cutoff date of February 28, 2026. After these dates, price adjustments will be implemented across the board.
Supply Chain Pressures Drive Price Increases
The current situation isn’t simply about increased costs; it’s about securing supply. Lenovo is stipulating that even orders placed before the February 28th deadline are only guaranteed at the current price if they can be shipped by March 31, 2026. This condition reflects the volatile nature of the component market and Lenovo’s desire to mitigate risk. Ryan McCurdy, President of Lenovo North America, explained to CRN that the company has “no choice” but to adjust pricing, and anticipates further adjustments may be necessary in the future. He emphasized that Lenovo has established clear communication protocols with its partners regarding these changes, including strict timelines for orders, payments, and deliveries.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Camden Haley, Vice President of Product Management at Connection, a major IT solutions provider in the United States, confirmed to CRN that Lenovo’s price increases are expected to be reflected in their catalog next month. Haley also noted that Lenovo has been proactive in its communication, offering transparency regarding the price adjustments. He indicated that other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have attempted similar strategies – setting order deadlines to lock in pricing – but have sometimes reversed course and implemented immediate price hikes, a scenario Lenovo appears to be avoiding.
The price adjustments will affect Lenovo’s entire product line, encompassing desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, and portable gaming consoles – essentially any device reliant on RAM and storage. This broad impact underscores the pervasive nature of the memory shortage and its ripple effects throughout the technology industry. The demand for these components is driven, in part, by the increasing sophistication of devices and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which require substantial memory and storage capacity.
Lenovo’s Strategic Response and Market Context
Lenovo’s response to the supply chain challenges highlights the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and remaining competitive. The company, which achieved $69 billion in revenue in its most recent fiscal year, according to Lenovo’s press releases, is navigating a complex landscape marked by both economic uncertainty and technological innovation. The company’s leadership, including Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang and North America President Ryan McCurdy, were recently recognized by CRN as top executives in the technology industry for 2025, demonstrating their commitment to driving growth and innovation.
McCurdy, who joined Lenovo in August 2023 after a more than 20-year tenure at Intel, is now leading the company’s North American operations, which rely on channel partners for approximately 80 percent of its revenue. This reliance on a robust partner network underscores the importance of clear communication and collaboration during periods of market volatility. The company is also focused on capitalizing on the “AI PC” market, recognizing that optimized hardware is essential for delivering the best possible AI experience. As McCurdy stated in a CRN interview, “running the most modern AI experiences in a way that is optimized needs modern hardware.”
The Great PC Refresh and the Demand for Upgraded Hardware
The impending price increases coincide with what industry analysts are calling “the great PC refresh.” With a global installed base of approximately 1.5 billion PCs, many of which are aging and running older operating systems like Windows 10, there’s a significant opportunity to drive demand for new devices. The transition to Windows 11 is also contributing to this trend, as users seek hardware that meets the operating system’s requirements. This refresh cycle, coupled with the growing demand for AI-capable devices, is creating a unique set of challenges and opportunities for manufacturers like Lenovo.
The timing of these price adjustments is particularly noteworthy. As McCurdy explained, consumers and businesses are more likely to invest in new technology when they can clearly spot the benefits. “What you can kind of expect in 2025 is for there to be some more momentum around things that can actually improve productivity in business, and that’s when consumers and customers are going to pull the trigger, when they can really see how it’s going to benefit them,” he said.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The current situation in the memory market is expected to persist for the foreseeable future. While the exact duration of the shortage remains uncertain, industry experts anticipate continued volatility and potential for further price increases. Lenovo’s proactive communication with its partners and its commitment to transparency are positive signs, but consumers should be prepared for higher prices on a wide range of technology products. The company’s strategy of prioritizing orders and shipments based on deadlines suggests a focus on managing supply and minimizing disruption.
Ryan McCurdy’s leadership at Lenovo, as recognized by industry publications, will be crucial in navigating these challenges. His experience at Intel, combined with his focus on channel partnerships and the emerging AI PC market, positions him to steer the company through this period of uncertainty. The company’s success will depend on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions, maintain strong relationships with its partners, and continue to innovate in the face of ongoing supply chain constraints.
The next key date to watch is March 31, 2026, the deadline for Lenovo to ship orders at the current pricing. Beyond that, continued monitoring of the DRAM and NAND flash storage markets will be essential to understanding the trajectory of prices and the availability of key components. Consumers and businesses alike should stay informed about these developments and plan accordingly.
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