8GB of RAM is making a comeback in laptops; manufacturers had been reducing memory capacity to offer affordable laptops amidst component shortages.

In recent years, as laptops have become more powerful, many manufacturers have set the minimum memory capacity at 16GB. Microsoft has also set a minimum memory capacity of 16GB as a requirement for its AI PC 'Copilot+', and 8GB of memory is becoming an outdated specification. However, models with 8GB of memory are making a comeback, led by the 'MacBook Neo,' for users who want a cheaper device even if the specifications are a little lower.

8GB of RAM is back on laptops — companies are lowering memory offerings to make affordable notebooks during component crisis | Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/8gb-of-ram-is-back-on-laptops-companies-are-lowering-memory-offerings-to-make-affordable-notebooks-during-component-crisis

The MacBook Neo, announced by Apple in March 2026, is a budget-friendly model that features 8GB of memory and the 'A18 Pro' chip developed for the iPhone 16 Pro, and is priced significantly lower than existing models, starting at 99,800 yen (including tax).

Several models designed to compete with the MacBook Neo were announced around the time of the Computex exhibition held in June 2026.

One example is Microsoft's 'Surface Laptop for Business (13-inch),' which will be available in a standard 16GB memory version and an 8GB memory version in the latter half of 2026. The price starts at $1299.99 (approximately 207,000 yen).

New Intel CPU-powered business devices 'Surface Laptop for Business' and 'Surface Pro for Business' released, with a 'Privacy Screen' option that applies a privacy filter with a single tap - GIGAZINE

Acer has already announced the 'Aspire Go 15,' which features Qualcomm's newly developed low-cost chip, the 'Snapdragon C.' With 8GB of memory, it is described as 'an affordable notebook PC with all the necessary features to boost productivity and make your day more comfortable.'

Qualcomm announces 'Snapdragon C,' a chip for low-cost PCs to compete with the MacBook Neo; Acer quickly adopts it and releases the entry-level 'Aspire Go 15' - GIGAZINE

Dell's XPS 13 is available with an Intel Core 5 320 processor and an option for 8GB of memory. The regular price starts at $699 (approximately 111,000 yen).

Dell announces the 'XPS 13,' a low-cost notebook PC to compete with the MacBook Neo, weighing just 1kg and being the 'thinnest and lightest model in the XPS series' - GIGAZINE

Considering that even Google's Pixel 10 smartphone, which is set to be released in 2025, will have 12GB of memory, releasing an 8GB laptop in 2016 could even be considered going against the times. In fact, there was some backlash from avid users when the MacBook Neo was released. However, many users have evaluated that 8GB is practical for basic use, and it has become a viable option for users who do not need features like AI.

The resurgence of 8GB of memory is thought to be due to the demand for AI. For the past year or so, the memory necessary to run AI has been bought up by major AI companies and mainly used for data centers, leaving little room for general consumers. This has led to price increases, supply shortages, and the postponement of new product announcements for consumer devices. As a result, there are predictions that smartphone models with 4GB of memory may make a comeback.

The surge in memory prices is expected to bring back smartphones with 4GB of RAM and those supporting microSD cards - GIGAZINE

As of the time of writing, the minimum requirement for running the latest Windows OS, 'Windows 11,' is 4GB of RAM. It's possible that laptop models with 4GB of RAM will make a comeback.