Overview
- TF International’s Ming‑Chi Kuo reports Apple plans to absorb higher DRAM and NAND costs and keep the iPhone 18 starting price unchanged, accepting near‑term margin pressure and leaning on Services to offset it.
- Kuo says first‑quarter LPDDR increases were in line with expectations and that a similar hike is likely in the second quarter, while NAND price growth has been more modest so far.
- Memory makers are prioritizing AI and server products, tightening supply for smartphones and PCs; industry estimates peg recent contract prices roughly 10% to 25% higher than last year.
- Apple has moved from six‑month to quarterly memory pricing and could face broader component tightness, with reports indicating its DRAM long‑term agreements cover only the first half of 2026.
- South Korean industry reports describe sharp LPDDR price rises from Samsung and SK hynix, and a single report cites Apple paying about $70 for a 12GB LPDDR5X module, a figure with limited independent confirmation.