The global chip shortage has taken a considerable toll on the smartphone market, due to which the prices of devices are shooting up, and now it is being said that it is also going to impact upcoming phones. According to multiple sources, Apple is also facing a serious chip shortage while it is preparing to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra. Reports have it that the brand is working with its manufacturing partners to secure enough DRAM, a type of memory used inside phones. The shortage could also affect the number of devices Apple will be able to make ahead of the launch.
As per semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan, around one billion dollars worth of Apple processors are currently sitting at TSMC because the memory chips required to complete their packaging are not there yet. Apple acquires memory from major chipmakers like Micron. SK Hynix, and Samsung. Nonetheless, a wider shortage of memory chips is making it difficult for the firm to secure a sufficient amount of supply.
The problem is connected to the demand for AI, as AI firms are buying huge amounts of memory for data centres and servers, putting pressure on the global supply of DRAM. This single factor is pushing up memory prices and making it complex for smartphone makers to secure supplies. Furthermore, the iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to use Apple’s new A20 Pro chipset, which will be manufactured on the 2nm process of TSMC.
So the main crux of the story is that Apple already has the processors but is still waiting for a more crucial component, which is memory, and until the Cupertino giant gets that in ample amounts, the processor cannot move to the next stage without the required amount of memory. However, there is no confirmation regarding the delay of the iPhone 18 Pro from Apple, so the readers are advised to take the information with a grain of salt.
