Apple’s production of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is encountering significant delays, primarily due to a shortage of RAM components. This bottleneck is affecting the assembly of devices that incorporate the new A20 Pro processor, including the anticipated folding iPhone.
The A20 Pro processor is Apple’s first to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced N2 node. This cutting-edge chip integrates RAM through TSMC’s Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WLMCM) technology. However, the limited availability of RAM is hindering the efficient production of these processors, subsequently delaying the assembly of the iPhone 18 Pro.
Industry reports indicate that Samsung, a major supplier of DRAM, plans to increase prices by up to 20% in the third quarter of 2026. This price hike is expected to further strain the supply chain, potentially leading to increased production costs and extended delays for devices like the iPhone 18 Pro.
Apple has been diversifying its RAM suppliers to mitigate such risks. In previous generations, the company sourced memory from multiple vendors, including SK Hynix and Micron. However, with the current supply constraints, Apple is reportedly increasing its reliance on Samsung, which is now expected to supply approximately 60% to 70% of the low-power DRAM for the iPhone 17 series.
These supply chain challenges come at a time when Apple is preparing to launch several new products, including the iPhone 18 series and new Mac models. The company has already implemented price increases across its product lines, excluding the iPhone, in response to rising component costs. CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged these challenges, noting that supply chain constraints are expected to intensify in the upcoming quarter.
As the tech industry continues to grapple with component shortages and rising costs, consumers may face longer wait times and higher prices for new devices. Apple’s ability to navigate these supply chain issues will be crucial in maintaining its market position and meeting customer demand.
