Apple scrambles to secure DRAM as US$1 billion worth of iPhone 18 chips reportedly await packaging

Apple's urgent procurement of DRAM for the iPhone 18 signals deep supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly its reliance on overseas foundries and memory vendors. This move will pressure major players like Samsung and Micron, exacerbating global memory price volatility. Technologically, it highlights increasing complexity in integrating DRAM with advanced processors, especially at 5nm and below. From a policy standpoint, tightening U.S. export controls force Apple to accelerate supply chain diversification, though short-term dependence on Taiwan and Hong Kong remains unavoidable. Competitors may seize this moment to advance in-house chip development or deepen partnerships with TSMC and UMC. Over the next 12 to 24 months, sustained memory price hikes could prompt Apple to delay product launches or restructure its strategy, triggering broader industry shifts in capacity allocation and technology competition.