Rumor
Apple reportedly secures majority of available mobile DRAM supply at premium prices
Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 05:03 PM
Apple is reportedly securing the entire available supply of mobile DRAM by paying premium prices, a move that could limit the memory inventory available to competing smartphone manufacturers.
Context
As of April 2, 2026, Apple has reportedly moved to secure a dominant share of the global mobile DRAM supply to safeguard its hardware roadmap against a worsening chip shortage. Driven by the massive diversion of manufacturing capacity toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI data centers, traditional mobile memory supply has tightened significantly. Reports indicate Apple recently accepted a 100% price hike from Samsung to guarantee LPDDR5X volumes for the iPhone 17 and upcoming iPhone 18 series, with module prices doubling from roughly $30 to $70 since early 2025.
This aggressive procurement strategy aims to starve out competitors who are already facing a projected 13% drop in global smartphone sales due to the scarcity. To mitigate these soaring "chipflation" costs and diversify its supply chain, Apple is also evaluating partnerships with Chinese memory firms YMTC and CXMT. This shift is critical as the company scales on-device Apple Intelligence features, which require the higher 12GB RAM capacities now standard in its latest flagship devices.
Sources (9)
DRAM Design Validation Engineer - Jobs - Careers at AppleiPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus - Technical Specifications - AppleApple Doubles Down on Hardware, Services With Revamped AI Strategy; Rare Bonuses - BloombergHow to get Apple Intelligence - Apple SupportApple warns memory costs are starting to bite as Samsung, SK Hynix prioritise AI chips | ReutersApple Eyes Chinese Memory Suppliers Amid Rising Prices, Korean Competition DRAM Shortage Will Cause 'Seismic Shift' in Smartphone Market, But Apple Will Be Less Affected - MacRumors[News] Apple Reportedly Eyes Chinese Memory as Leverage Against Samsung, SK hynix Amid Rising Costs
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