Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models could face limited availability at launch due to a reported DRAM shortage, which could slow production of the company’s next-generation smartphones.
The issue appears to be linked to the A20 Pro chip, which is expected to power the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. According to the report, the chip is based on TSMC’s N2 process, and while TSMC is said to be making good progress with production yields and volume, completed wafers are reportedly waiting for DRAM to be packaged alongside the chips.
Apple is said to be scrambling to secure enough memory, with Micron, SK Hynix and Samsung among the suppliers being approached. The company is reportedly also exploring Chinese DRAM supplier CXMT as another potential source.
That’s important because a delay in securing the necessary memory could have a knock-on effect on how many iPhone 18 Pro units Apple has ready for launch.
The situation could be particularly difficult this year because Apple is reportedly changing how it approaches its iPhone launch lineup. Rather than introducing the entire iPhone 18 family at the usual September event, current rumours suggest that only the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will arrive this autumn alongside the foldable iPhone Ultra.
Instead, the standard iPhone 18 is reportedly being pushed back to early 2027, alongside the second-generation iPhone Air. That would leave Apple’s Pro models carrying more of the demand during the traditional September launch period, which could add additional pressure on already constrained supply.
Despite the concerns, Apple is reportedly confident that it can meet initial demand for the new models. The bigger worry is what happens immediately after launch; apparently, the company expects online order wait times to increase quickly if supply can’t keep pace.
It’s worth treating all of this as a report rather than confirmed information for now. Apple hasn’t announced its iPhone 18 lineup or revealed details of its production plans. Therefore, the exact impact of any DRAM shortage remains unclear.
If the supply concerns prove accurate, however, customers hoping to pick up an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max shortly after launch may have to contend with longer-than-usual delivery estimates.
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