Even companies with tightly managed supply chains, such as Apple, are feeling the effects of the current memory shortage. A new report from Korea indicates that Apple has agreed to a significant price increase for LPDDR5X memory supplied by Samsung.
According to financial outlet Dealsite, citing industry sources, Apple is now paying roughly double for the low-power DRAM modules. LPDDR5X memory is used across Apple’s product lineup, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The report states that Samsung’s semiconductor division initially targeted a 60% price increase for LPDDR5X intended for iPhone production. However, Samsung reportedly began negotiations by demanding a 100% increase.
Sources claim Apple agreed to the full increase during urgent discussions focused on securing memory supply for the first half of 2026. One industry insider noted that smartphone brands are competing aggressively to secure inventory.
The shortage is partly linked to rising demand for high-bandwidth memory used in AI data centers. Companies such as Nvidia have driven increased demand, pulling manufacturing capacity toward more profitable enterprise-grade memory products.
Reports indicate that 12GB LPDDR5X modules have risen from around $25–$29 earlier in 2025 to approximately $70.
Samsung’s own mobile division is reportedly facing similar constraints. Early sourcing for the Galaxy S26 is said to divide DRAM supply between Samsung’s semiconductor unit and Micron, suggesting internal production alone is insufficient to fully support its smartphone business.
Apple is expected to introduce updated MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad, and iPad Air models next week, alongside a more affordable MacBook and the iPhone 17e. There is no immediate indication of retail price increases, but sustained component cost pressure could affect profit margins or influence pricing tiers.
The impact is unlikely to be limited to Apple. Industry forecasts suggest smartphone shipments may decline in 2026 if memory shortages continue. Larger companies such as Apple and Samsung may be better positioned to absorb higher costs, while smaller manufacturers could face greater challenges.