Memory crisis looms over Apple's biggest launch, iPhone 18 Pro sales may be impacted

Apple is reportedly facing a shortage of memory chips ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro launch. Here's what the supply problem could mean for the upcoming iPhone and its availability. iPhone 18 Pro faces a memory chip shortage. (File Photo)Apple is reportedly facing a shortage of memory chips as it prepares to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and its first foldable iPhone. The company is said to be working with its manufacturing partners to secure enough DRAM, a type of memory used inside smartphones. The shortage could affect how many devices Apple is able to make ahead of the launch.According to semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan, around $1 billion worth of Apple processors are currently sitting at TSMC because the memory chips needed to complete their packaging have not arrived. Apple sources memory from major chipmakers including Micron, SK Hynix and Samsung. However, a wider shortage of memory chips is making it difficult for the company to secure enough supply.Why is Apple facing a memory shortageThe problem is linked to the growing demand for AI. AI companies are buying huge amounts of memory for data centres and servers, putting pressure on the global supply of DRAM. This is also pushing up memory prices and making it more difficult for smartphone makers to secure supplies.The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to use Apple's new A20 Pro chip, which is reportedly being manufactured using TSMC's latest 2nm process. Chip production itself is said to be progressing well, but the processors cannot move to the next stage without the required memory. In simple terms, Apple has the processors ready, but it is still waiting for another important component. Until the memory arrives, those processors cannot be fully packaged and sent to the companies that assemble the iPhones.This could create pressure later in the production process. Foxconn and BYD are among the companies involved in assembling Apple's iPhones, and any delay in receiving the completed processors could leave them with less time to build the devices before launch.Will the iPhone 18 Pro launch be delayed There is no confirmation that Apple will delay the iPhone 18 Pro launch. The company and its manufacturing partners are reportedly still confident that they can meet initial demand.However, the memory shortage could affect availability. If Apple does not secure enough chips in time, the company could have fewer iPhone 18 Pro units ready at launch. This could mean longer delivery times for online orders and limited stock at retail stores.Apple CEO Tim Cook has already acknowledged supply pressure, saying the company is facing "very significant constraints" in its supply chain.The situation could also have a wider impact on the price of Apple products. The company has already increased prices on some products as memory costs rise, while production priorities are also being adjusted.Meanwhile, Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. The device, which is widely rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra, could cost more than $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.- EndsPublished On: Aug 7, 2026 14:16 IST