News

Rising AI demand fuels fears of higher laptop and console prices

Published

2 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Experts warn memory costs could increase, but analysts say wider market forces also at play

A SURGE in global demand for advanced computer memory — driven in part by rapid AI expansion — is raising concerns that laptops, consoles and smartphones could become more expensive in the months ahead.

Industry observers say one factor is a series of major supply agreements involving OpenAI’s “Stargate” project and South Korean manufacturers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which produce much of the world’s high-performance memory. Reports suggest the deal covers hundreds of thousands of chips per month, though the exact proportion of global output remains disputed.

Some experts argue the increased competition for components is already pushing up prices. Others caution that the situation is more complex, with global supply chains, cyclical semiconductor markets and post-pandemic production shifts also contributing to cost pressures.

Memory prices rising — but reasons vary

Several tech companies have reported steeper wholesale costs. According to the open-source tech community around self-build manufacturer Framework, memory modules that were around £100 in late summer are now retailing for several hundred pounds. Framework temporarily delisted its standalone memory kits, citing concerns about scalpers reselling them at inflated prices.

Higher memory requirements in modern phones — with many Android models now starting at 8GB or more — mean manufacturers face difficult decisions about absorbing the cost or passing it on at the till.

Analysts note that memory prices were already forecast to rise after a prolonged slump, with chipmakers gradually winding down production in 2023–24 following weak global PC sales. That has tightened supply even before AI-related demand is factored in.

Small businesses and consumers feel exposed

Colette Mason, an author and AI consultant at Clever Clogs AI, warned that the people most affected will be those who rely on affordable tech.

She said: “We’ve been told AI will democratise everything. But if essential hardware jumps in price, the people hit hardest are students, small business owners and pensioners who simply need a working laptop. It doesn’t feel very democratic when core components suddenly cost several times more.”

Rohit Parmar-Mistry, founder of Burton-on-Trent data firm Pattrn Data, said rising memory costs risk becoming a “quiet tax” on UK businesses.

“A 300% increase in a single component doesn’t just affect gamers,” he said. “It affects every company that needs to refresh equipment. If hardware becomes a luxury item, then AI tools have to start delivering real value rather than hype.”

Other experts say consumers may have options

Not everyone believes the public will be forced into steep upgrades.
Mitali Deypurkaystha, an AI strategist, said many people can avoid paying inflated prices altogether.

“Most AI runs in the cloud,” she said. “You don’t need the newest memory to use ChatGPT. If consumers choose refurbished or older components instead of paying top-end prices, chipmakers will feel that pressure. We’re not entirely powerless.”

Chipmakers yet to respond directly

OpenAI referred Newspage to earlier comments by CEO Sam Altman, who said Korea had the talent and infrastructure to be a “global leader in AI” and praised collaboration with Samsung, SK Hynix and the Korean government.

Samsung and SK Hynix — the two dominant memory producers — have not commented publicly on the reported long-term allocation agreements. Industry analysts say it is common for manufacturers to prioritise high-value enterprise clients during supply squeezes, but warn that consumer-level disruption depends on how quickly production capacity ramps up in 2025–26.

A price rise — but how steep?

Despite strong warnings from consultants, economists say it is too early to know whether UK consumers will face increases as high as “£300 more”, because:

Manufacturers may absorb part of the cost
Retailers often buy components months in advance
Prices could stabilise if chipmakers expand output
The worst spikes tend to occur in niche or high-performance modules

However, all agree that AI’s appetite for hardware is now a major force shaping the global tech market, and that ordinary consumers are likely to feel at least some impact.

News

A487 at Newgale reopens as council clears storm debris

Published

9 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Flood warning lifted but coastal roads still affected after overnight waves

THE A487 at Newgale has reopened this morning after Pembrokeshire County Council crews worked at pace to clear heavy shingle and debris washed across the carriageway during last night’s storm.

Machinery was deployed early today to remove pebbles thrown up by large waves, allowing the main coast road to reopen. Teams have now moved on to Welsh Road, Newgale, where further deposits are being cleared.

The Flood Warning for Newgale is no longer in force, though the council warns that large waves are still hitting coastal areas and visitors should remain cautious.

Debris has also been reported at Nolton and Broad Haven, with crews expected to attend once operations in Newgale are completed.

Significant storm wash has been recorded elsewhere on the coastline, including at Wiseman’s Bridge, where large stones and sand have been strewn across the roadway. The scene was captured this morning by local photographer Malcolm Richards.

Commons Road in Pembroke is currently flooded but remains passable with care.

***Scene at Wiseman’s Bridge after the storm (Pic: **Malcolm Richards**/Herald)***

Business

New sewing studio in Haverfordwest offering bespoke dressmaking and workshops

Published

17 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Councillor welcomes Seam Shop Atelier to Quay Street

A NEW sewing and dressmaking studio has opened in the heart of Haverfordwest, offering everything from clothing alterations to custom-designed garments.

County Councillor for the Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, visited Seam Shop Atelier this week and praised the business for bringing new skills and services to the town. The studio is run by professional seamstress Flavia Santos, who has built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and a passion for creative design.

Wide range of services

Seam Shop Atelier provides a full suite of alteration and repair services, including zipper replacements, hemming for skirts, dresses, trousers and coats, sleeve adjustments, and general garment repairs.

The shop also specialises in bridal and occasion wear, offering expert fitting and alterations for wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses.

As a trained dressmaker, Flavia also produces custom designs and handmade items—ranging from bespoke dresses to accessories—tailored to each client’s needs.

In addition, the business offers curtain alteration services, including shortening, adding new tape and updating linings.

Workshops for all ages

The studio is set to host sewing workshops for different age groups, including introductory sessions for children aged eight to twelve, helping young learners gain confidence with sewing machines and garment creation.

Welcoming a new business to the town

Speaking after his visit, Cllr Tudor said he was delighted to see a new independent business opening its doors in Quay Street, adding that Flavia’s skills and enthusiasm would be an asset to the community.

Location

Seam Shop Atelier is located at 8 Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

News

Irish Ferries suspends Pembroke–Rosslare route this weekend as storms hit

Published

21 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ALL SAILINGS on the Pembroke to Rosslare ferry route have been cancelled this weekend due to severe weather, Irish Ferries has confirmed.

The operator announced that all Saturday and Sunday services on the James Joyce have been suspended, with passengers advised to travel from Holyhead instead. Check-in requirements remain at least one hour before departure.

Stena Line has also cancelled its 7:30pm sailing on the Ben My Chree on Saturday, December 6, citing the same forecast conditions.

Joint working between operators

The disruption comes during an unusual period of collaboration between Stena Line and Irish Ferries, who are temporarily sharing freight and passenger capacity across the Irish Sea.

The arrangement, in place since November 20, allows both companies to manage dry-dock schedules and accommodate the ongoing closure of Fishguard Port for essential maintenance.

Irish Ferries is carrying Stena passengers on the Pembroke–Rosslare route.

Stena Line is operating Dublin–Holyhead sailings with capacity set aside for Irish Ferries customers.

Weather forecast

Strong winds are expected across the weekend, with gusts of up to 50mph in Pembroke on Saturday and 28mph on Sunday.
Rosslare is forecast to see gusts of 42mph on Saturday and 23mph on Sunday.