Apple has reduced its hardware shipment plans for 2026 as ongoing DRAM shortages continue to affect Macs, iPads, and upcoming iPhone models. The supply pressure has already pushed prices higher and could leave the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and foldable iPhone Ultra in limited supply at launch.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the company has scaled back shipment plans because memory supply remains tight, although he disputed a separate claim that TSMC is holding around $1 billion worth of unfinished Apple processors while waiting for memory chips.
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Kuo said Apple plans processor production at least three months in advance based on the amount of memory it expects to secure. That planning process means Apple has little reason to ask TSMC to produce large volumes of processors before enough memory is available for final packaging.
Memory shortage could limit iPhone 18 supply
Memory manufacturers are sending more production capacity toward AI data centers because those contracts generate higher margins, leaving less supply available for consumer electronics.
The shortage has already affected several Apple products, including the Mac Studio, Mac mini, and MacBook Air, while Apple also raised Mac and iPad prices in June.
The situation now appears likely to affect Apple’s September iPhone launch as well, with several models facing tighter availability:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Foldable iPhone Ultra
Kuo also said TSMC’s higher inventory levels should not automatically be linked to Apple, since inventory includes raw materials, finished products, spare parts, and chips for other 2nm customers such as AMD and MediaTek.
If memory shortages continue into September, early buyers could face longer delivery estimates and faster preorder sellouts for Apple’s highest-end iPhones.
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