The anticipated iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are poised to incorporate Apple’s innovative A20 Pro chip.
The looming potential shortage of the iPhone 18 Pro Max emerges from an unforeseen source—the limitation in DRAM supply, rather than deficiencies in processor manufacturing or assembly capabilities. This critical delay is hampering the completion of Apple’s state-of-the-art A20 Pro chip.
Tim Culpan, an analyst from Culpium, elucidates that Apple is grappling with one of its most substantial supply chain hurdles this year.
While the production of the A20 Pro chip itself is reportedly progressing without major disruptions, a scarcity of DRAM is stalling the assembly of millions of chips, preventing them from advancing to subsequent production phases.
A20 Pro production is on course, yet DRAM delays persist
This year’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will utilize the A20 Pro, devised as Apple’s inaugural chip crafted with TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nanometer N2 process.
This groundbreaking semiconductor technology commenced mass production in early 2026 and promises enhanced performance efficiencies alongside reduced power consumption.
However, the A20 Pro cannot be deployed into an iPhone instantly post-fabrication. It requires integration with DRAM employing TSMC’s novel Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology—a stage in which the supply chain is currently experiencing severe constraints.
Culpan’s sources indicate that both the production quantity and yield of the A20 Pro chips are robust.
Nevertheless, a considerable volume of wafers containing these chips is reportedly inactive due to an insufficient supply of DRAM necessary to finalize the packaging process.
Consequently, the inherent chip production capacity is not the bottleneck; the dearth of DRAM is inhibiting the overall progression.
TSMC reportedly holds US$1 billion in Apple chips
Reports suggest that TSMC is currently retaining approximately US$1 billion worth of Apple chips awaiting progression to the next stage, stymied by the DRAM deficit.
This figure underscores the immense scale at which Apple is amplifying production prior to its forthcoming significant product launch.
If the memory shortfall endures, the accumulation of uncompleted chips could exacerbate, directly impacting the assembly timelines for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
For Apple, any delays in supplying completed chips to assembly facilities could consequently result in fewer finished iPhones being available upon official release.
Culpan asserts that Apple and its assembly affiliates remain optimistic about their capacity to satisfy demand during the initial rollout.
The overarching concern pertains to the post-launch scenario.
Inventories may dwindle swiftly in the aftermath of the initial sales days. This situation could lead to extended online delivery times for customers as well as rapid depletion of stock in physical retail outlets shortly following the phones’ launch.
Historically, new iPhone Pro models have experienced delivery expectations extending from weeks to over a month during the early sales phases.
The current DRAM supply crunch raises the prospect of a similar, if not more pronounced, trend this year.
Demand for iPhone 18 Pro models may escalate
Adding to the already heightened supply challenge is Apple’s rumoured alteration to its iPhone launch strategy.
Previous insights indicate that this may be the inaugural year in which Apple abstains from releasing the standard iPhone 18 in the fall.
Instead of launching concurrently with the Pro variants as tradition dictates, the standard model is purportedly deferred until early 2027.
Moreover, the anticipated iPhone Air 2 also seems absent from Apple’s fall unveiling plans.
This predicament positions the new iPhone offerings squarely around the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside the significantly more premium iPhone Ultra.
With the iPhone Ultra targeting the highest segment of the market, a considerable number of consumers may be compelled to opt for the Pro variants, potentially inflating demand beyond the norm.
If the DRAM supply does not ameliorate promptly, initial production outputs may falter in meeting this heightened demand.
Consumers eager to secure an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max shortly after launch should consider placing their orders expeditiously or brace for prolonged waiting times, particularly in regions where iPhone enthusiasts are most fervent.
Source link: Vietnamnet.vn.
