Apple Faces Memory Chip Crunch Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro Launch, Supply May Be Hit: Report

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 18 Pro next month, but a new report suggests the company could face limited availability of its upcoming flagship smartphones at launch.

According to Tim Culpan, production of the iPhone 18 Pro has been delayed due to a shortage of DRAM, the type of memory chip used in smartphones. Culpan said that around $1 billion worth of Apple processors is currently sitting at TSMC, waiting to be packaged because the required DRAM chips have not yet arrived. Apple's A20 Pro chip, which is expected to power the iPhone 18 Pro models, is packaged alongside the DRAM.

The shortage of memory chips could affect the initial inventory of the iPhone 18 Pro.

Culpan said Apple and its assembly partners are confident they can meet initial launch demand. However, they are reportedly concerned that online delivery times could slip quickly and retail stores may run out of stock soon after the launch.

This year, buyers will have fewer alternatives within Apple's lineup, as the company is expected to launch only the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly being pushed to March 2027, marking the first time Apple has delayed the launch of its base model. The iPhone Air 2 is also not expected to debut next month.

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone—rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra—at its September event. With the foldable model expected to carry a premium price tag, demand could be even higher than usual for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.