Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Apple Shifts Majority of iPhone 17 RAM Sourcing to Samsung During Price Spike

The reallocation seeks to secure volume during an HBM‑driven squeeze on mobile DRAM supply.

Overview

  • Industry reports say Samsung now accounts for roughly 60% to 70% of LPDDR5X for the iPhone 17, with Apple also requesting large volumes for the forthcoming iPhone 18.
  • SK Hynix and Micron have redirected capacity to high‑bandwidth memory for AI and data centers, tightening availability of mobile DRAM.
  • The price of a 12GB LPDDR5X module has climbed to about $70 from roughly $30 earlier in 2025, raising component costs across devices.
  • Samsung is described as the only supplier able to meet Apple’s stricter‑than‑JEDEC requirements at scale, with 0.65mm modules that offer improved thermal resistance and lower power use.
  • Concentrating orders with Samsung reduces supplier diversity but is intended to lock in predictable deliveries as supply and pricing pressures extend into 2026.