A DRAM shortage linked to new packaging for Apple’s A20 Pro chip could delay the final stages of production for the anticipated iPhone 18 Pro line, risking supply issues amid a narrower 2026 model lineup.
Apple’s next premium iPhones may reach the market with a familiar problem already hanging over them: supply. According to a report cited by Thanh Niên and analysis from semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan, a shortage of DRAM could slow the final stages of production for the iPhone 18 Pro line, even if the devices are unveiled on schedule in the coming weeks.
The issue appears to centre on packaging for Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which is expected to be the company’s first processor built on TSMC’s 2 nanometre process. Culpan said the chip uses a new wafer-level multi-chip module method that combines logic and memory on the same wafer, but that work cannot be completed until DRAM arrives. He estimated the inventory tied up in the pipeline is worth about $1 billion.
Tom’s Hardware reported that Apple sources most of its DRAM from Micron, with additional supply from SK Hynix and Samsung, but that limited availability and existing commitments to other buyers have tightened the market. The report also said Apple is exploring alternative memory suppliers, including China’s CXMT, although that option would add new political risk because of possible U.S. restrictions.
Even so, Apple and its assembly partners are said to believe they can handle initial demand. The greater concern is what happens after launch, when online orders, retail stock and replacement supply may all be under pressure at once. That risk is amplified by Apple’s narrower 2026 iPhone line-up, which could leave buyers with fewer alternatives if the Pro models are in short supply.
Several reports, including those from MacRumors, say Apple plans to split its iPhone launches this year, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected in September 2026 alongside a foldable model, while the standard iPhone 18 may be pushed into spring 2027. That shift would make the Pro models, and possibly the foldable device, the main new iPhones available in the autumn window, increasing pressure on Apple to keep production steady.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
