Anticipated iPhone 18 Pro Stock Shortage Upon Release

It is widely anticipated that the price of the iPhone will increase this upcoming fall. While the exact extent of the price hike is still under debate among analysts, it is generally agreed upon that an increase is inevitable. This price surge is attributed to the soaring prices of memory components such as RAM and flash storage, driven by the high demand from major AI companies. Since Macs, iPads, and iPhones all utilize DRAM and NAND chips, the iPhone is not exempt from this trend.

Analysts speculate that Apple is biding its time until the unveiling of its new lineup in the fall. In June, Apple raised prices across most of its products except for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. With the imminent refresh of the iPhone and Apple Watch in less than six weeks, it is expected that these devices will also see price adjustments. The scarcity of memory chips has reached a critical level, with the demand for RAM far exceeding the available supply.

According to Tim Culpan at Culpium, Apple and its suppliers are facing challenges in securing memory for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models and the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra. Assemblers are working closely with Apple to expedite the shipment of DRAM for mobile devices, primarily sourced from Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung.

Culpan’s reference to the foldable device as the “iPhone Ultra” contradicts previous reports suggesting a split-release cycle with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models debuting in early 2027. The delay in production of Apple’s A20 Pro chip is not due to manufacturing constraints at TSMC but rather the shortage of DRAM required for the chips.

While TSMC has made progress in producing the A20 Pro chips on its advanced 2-nanometer N2 node, the absence of DRAM has stalled the production process. This delay has cascading effects on downstream assemblers, hindering the assembly of logic boards and ultimately impacting iPhone production.

As a result, the availability of the new iPhone 18 Pro upon its launch this fall may be limited, with potential delays in delivery. Apple has a history of facing supply constraints, often resulting in extended delivery timelines for new iPhone models. Therefore, prospective buyers should plan accordingly if they intend to purchase the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max upon release.

[Please note that the information presented in this article is based on speculation and has not been confirmed by Apple. Readers are advised to exercise caution when considering rumors, especially in the tech industry.]