A manufacturing issue could result in a limited availability of the iPhone 18 Pro.
A recent report indicates that a shortage of DRAM is causing delays in the production of Apple's A20 Pro chip, which may result in limited availability of the new iPhones at launch.
With the launch of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup just around the corner, a new report suggests that potential buyers could experience difficulties in obtaining one immediately. According to semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan (via 9to5Mac), the DRAM shortage is hindering production and could leave Apple with insufficient inventory post-launch.
Reports indicate that TSMC has $1 billion worth of chips that are stalled.
The iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to feature Apple’s latest A20 Pro chip, which is the first processor developed using TSMC's innovative 2nm process. Culpan mentions that while the chip manufacturing is progressing well, with good volume and yield rates, TSMC currently has wafers of completed A20 Pro chips that cannot be processed further as they are awaiting DRAM.
Culpan elaborates that the processor is packaged with its memory using a new technique called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module, which integrates the chip and memory on the same wafer. This step is contingent on the arrival of DRAM. He estimates that the backlog is worth approximately $1 billion. Apple and its assembly partners are reportedly optimistic about meeting initial demand, although they anticipate that online orders may experience delays and retail stock could deplete quickly after the first wave.
Limited alternatives may exacerbate the situation.
Apple reportedly will not introduce a new base iPhone 18 model this fall, postponing that release to spring 2027 as part of a staggered launch strategy. A second-generation iPhone Air is also not expected until then. This leaves the premium foldable iPhone Ultra as the sole new iPhone launching alongside the Pro models this fall, which could lead more customers to gravitate toward the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Apple has successfully navigated supply shortages in the past, but this time, it has less buffer. Last year's iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro sold out during preorders, causing some deliveries to be pushed to October. This year's narrower lineup provides Apple with fewer options to absorb the pressure. Customers looking to purchase an iPhone 18 Pro on launch day should place their orders promptly when the preorder window opens.
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A manufacturing issue could result in a limited availability of the iPhone 18 Pro.
A reported shortage of DRAM may restrict the availability of the iPhone 18 Pro at its launch, making it more challenging for customers to obtain Apple's flagship model this fall.