It’s a given that the upcoming iPhone will see a price increase this fall. While analysts are still debating the extent of the hike, it’s widely accepted that prices will go up. This price surge is attributed to the escalating costs of memory components like RAM and flash storage, driven by high demand from tech giants for AI applications. Since Macs, iPads, and iPhones all rely on DRAM and NAND chips, it’s inevitable that the iPhone will be impacted by this trend.
Analysts speculate that Apple is biding its time until the fall launch of its new lineup. Notably, the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods were the only devices that did not witness significant price increases in June. With the imminent refresh of the iPhone and Apple Watch in less than six weeks, it’s expected that Apple will adjust prices accordingly. The escalating demand for memory chips has created a supply chain crisis, wherein even a tech giant like Apple is struggling to procure enough RAM.
Reports suggest that Apple and its suppliers are racing to secure memory for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, and possibly for a rumored foldable device dubbed the “iPhone Ultra.” This supply crunch has caused delays in production, particularly for Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which relies on DRAM for its functionality.
As the debut of the foldable iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 approaches, assemblers are expediting shipments of DRAM used in mobile devices in collaboration with Apple. Apple primarily sources DRAM from Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung.
Tim Culpan
The production delay of the A20 Pro chip, despite TSMC’s readiness to fabricate it on a new 2-nanometer node, highlights the critical role of DRAM in the manufacturing process. This bottleneck has led to a backlog of Apple chips worth approximately $1 billion, impacting downstream assembly processes.
As a result, the availability of the iPhone 18 Pro upon its launch this fall may be limited. Apple has a history of facing supply constraints, often resulting in delayed delivery dates for new iPhone models. If you plan on purchasing the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max on launch day, it’s advisable to prepare for potential scarcity.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
