The increasing DRAM and NAND flash prices have made Apple one of the more popular companies that have been discussed in a multitude of reports, as there’s always a conversation ensuing on whether the iPhone 18 series will become more expensive when the lineup launches later this year.
With the technology giant reportedly only securing DRAM supply LTAs (Long-Term Agreements) for the first half of 2026, an earlier rumor claimed that higher-storage variants of the iPhone 18 will witness a price hike. An analyst, however, is of the opinion that Apple should take complete advantage of the market chaos by absorbing the chip costs, and given that its Services division continues to rake in money, this business will provide sufficient financial protection.
iPhone 18 memory pricing is now negotiated quarterly instead of every six months, but NAND price increases are a bit lower, says analyst
TF International Securities’ analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided some details on X related to Apple’s DRAM pricing dilemma, with the company previously reported to have sent executives on long-term hotel stays to set up deals with memory makers Samsung and SK hynix. According to Kuo, Apple can no longer set up DRAM supply deals every six months, with the pricing subject to change every three months instead.
The best-case scenario for Apple is to avoid any kind of price hike, with the analyst mentioning that it is the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the DRAM crisis. Instead of raising prices, if Apple keeps its hand firm for the iPhone 18 launch, it will have an opportunity to boost its market share considerably. Also, its Services division, which has continuously generated stable revenue for the Cupertino firm every quarter, could offset the price absorption.
Keeping the price flat will also be an excellent marketing strategy, as no other company is expected to absorb DRAM costs. Currently, Apple is expected to pay $70 per 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is a 230 percent premium compared to the figure it was paying its supply chain at the beginning of 2025. The same strategy can be applied to its Mac lineup, and in adopting this stance, Apple has a chance to chip away at the market share of its notebook competitors.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
