Notebooks are once again mass‑limiting entry‑level models to 8 GB of RAM

Brief on RAM trends in laptops 2024–2026

Period What’s happening Key facts 2024–2025 Rise of “16 GB” as the baseline • Microsoft announced 16 GB of RAM as the mandatory minimum for Copilot+ PCs. • Apple dropped models with lower memory capacities. Current year (2025) Return of 8‑GB models • Tom’s Hardware notes that 8‑GB models are reappearing in laptop lineups.

1. Apple and MacBook Neo
- The MacBook Neo looks like a premium device but runs on the A18 Pro chip (built for the iPhone 16 Pro) and is equipped with only 8 GB of RAM.
- Most reviews conclude that 8 GB is sufficient for comfortable macOS use.
- In the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines, the minimum remains 16 GB.

2. Computex 2026 – market reaction
Manufacturer Model Chip RAM Price
Dell XPS 13 Wildcat Lake 8 GB $699
Acer Swift Air 14 Wildcat Lake 8 GB $699
Chuwi UniBook Wildcat Lake 8 GB ~$449 (cheapest)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13‑inch – 8 GB $1,299.99
- Conclusion: a small amount of memory is no longer exclusive to the budget segment.

3. Wildcat Lake and RAM options
- Some Wildcat Lake laptops are still offered with 16 GB (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i – $899.99).
- Models with 8 GB usually include Copilot keys on the keyboard but do not qualify as Copilot+ PCs.
- Intel’s Wildcat Lake page lists many partners; most plan to release laptops with 8 GB of RAM.
- Acer Aspire Go 15 (Arm Qualcomm Snapdragon C chip) can have up to 8 GB, possibly less.

4. Practical assessment of memory capacity
- For basic tasks, 8 GB of RAM is often enough if using lightweight apps and not opening dozens of browser tabs.
- Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4 GB; its K2 update promises improved performance even on lower configurations.
- However, as the memory market stabilizes (deficit decreases and prices normalize), 16 GB will likely return to “standard” status even for entry‑level laptops.

Conclusion:

The market currently shows flexibility in RAM choices, but the trend toward a 16 GB minimum remains strong. In the coming years we can expect further returns of higher‑capacity configurations, especially as memory prices stabilize.