Hard drive storage supply hits critical stage as Western Digital runs out for rest of 2026
Western Digital’s hard drive shortage for 2026, driven by surging demand from AI data centres and cloud providers, is causing price hikes and forcing businesses to rethink storage strategies, with potential impacts on consumer availability and prices. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
The global market for hard drives is experiencing a serious shortage as Western Digital has sold out of several of its large hard drive models for the rest of 2026 already.
This shortage is caused by a big increase in demand from AI data centres, cloud service providers, and large businesses. As a result, prices are going up, and companies are having to change how they manage their storage needs.
Western Digital, a major hard drives distributor, has received a huge number of orders for its large drives, especially the 18TB, 20TB, and 22TB models. These drives are crucial for big data centres that handle AI training, cloud computing, and large data analysis.
Experts say that the rise in AI tasks has greatly increased the need for large storage, more than companies expected. Data centre operators are now focusing on long-term supply deals, making it hard for the general public, system builders, and IT resellers to get stock.
Impact of Hard Drive Shortage on Business IT Planning and Consumer Availability
This shortage is already affecting how businesses plan their IT, upgrade backup systems, and deploy large servers. Some companies are delaying projects, while others are turning to more expensive solid-state drives.
Market observers warn that prices for business-grade hard drives might keep rising through 2026 because supply is still limited. Although manufacturers are trying to increase production, it takes time to set up new production lines.
For regular consumers, hard drives are still mostly available in stores, but experts warn that if the shortage for businesses continues, it could eventually lead to higher prices and less stock in regular shops.
As AI-driven data growth speeds up, the storage industry is under pressure to grow faster than ever, with Western Digital’s 2026 sell-out highlighting how tight the market has become.