[News] Apple Reportedly Eyes Chinese Memory as Leverage Against Samsung, SK hynix Amid Rising Costs

Apple is reportedly exploring Chinese memory suppliers as prices continue to climb. According to Commercial Times, citing Wccftech, sources say Apple is evaluating products from major Chinese memory makers for potential use as early as the iPhone 18 series, as well as MacBooks. The move aims to enhance supply flexibility and strengthen its negotiating position with the three dominant suppliers — Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron.

Supply chain sources cited by Wccftech say Apple has secured DRAM supply only through the first half of 2026 and NAND through the first quarter of 2026, leaving future pricing and supply conditions uncertain. Samsung currently provides most of the iPhone’s DRAM, with SK hynix and Micron sharing the remainder, while NAND primarily comes from Samsung, SK hynix, and Kioxia, the report adds.

Notably, according to DealSite, sources say Apple secured LPDDR5X memory from Samsung’s Device Solutions (DS) division for the iPhone 17 series, accepting Samsung’s proposed 100% price hike in full.

Amid tightening supply visibility, pricing dynamics are also shifting. The report notes that negotiations have moved from semiannual to quarterly cycles, with some NAND quotes reportedly doubling. Kioxia is said to be supplying only at higher prices under a quarterly pricing model. With suppliers taking a firmer stance, Apple may face challenges in maintaining pricing for the iPhone 18 series. As the report highlights, Apple is evaluating potential cooperation with Chinese memory makers as leverage to secure more favorable contract terms from existing suppliers.

Apple’s Potential Memory Shift and Its Global Implications

Beyond price negotiations, the potential shift carries broader implications for the global memory market. According to Chosun Ilbo, if Apple adopts Chinese memory in its iPhones, it could disrupt the global semiconductor market. With roughly 240 million iPhones sold worldwide last year, replacing Korean suppliers with Chinese memory could materially shift market share dynamics. Chosun Ilbo also notes that industry observers see this as a sign that Chinese memory, long viewed as trailing Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, has reached a quality level capable of competing globally.

Still, Chosun Ilbo reports that industry observers consider near-term adoption unlikely. Amid ongoing U.S.–China tech tensions and semiconductor regulations, incorporating Chinese semiconductors into iPhones sold in the U.S. would pose significant risks. However, the report adds that Apple could potentially deploy Chinese memory in devices sold within China.

The key question is whether Apple’s bargaining leverage will become a meaningful force in shaping the trajectory of rising memory costs. South Korean outlet Bloter reports that the industry is watching closely whether the shift remains limited to Apple or spreads to other global device makers. The report adds that if Apple gains pricing leverage, other major tech firms may also move to diversify their supply chains.

Read more

• [News] Samsung May Raise iPhone LPDDR Prices by Over 80% QoQ; SK hynix Reportedly Near-100% Increase
• Memory Price Surge Intensifies Retail Pricing Pressure, Putting Global Smartphone Production at Risk of a Sharp Decline in 2026, says TrendForce

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