$1 billion of iPhone 18 Pro chips 'on the shelves awaiting packaging' due to DRAM shortages — memory shortages reportedly put a wrinkle in Apple's launch plans

Apple faces a potential $1 billion setback due to ongoing memory shortages, as approximately $1 billion worth of A20 Pro and C2 chips for the upcoming iPhone 18 series remain on shelves awaiting packaging. Tim Culpan of Culpium reports that Apple is urgently seeking memory supply, working closely with suppliers to ensure packaging can commence for the A20 Pro and C2 chips.

The company currently sources DRAM primarily from Micron, with smaller engagements from SK Hynix and Samsung, and has secured long-term agreements (LTAs) ensuring supply through 2027. Apple reportedly plans to ship around 200 million iPhone 18 units over the device's lifecycle, with the A20 Pro being the first chip to utilize TSMC's N2 process.

However, the DRAM shortages may put pressure on shipments beyond the initial launch, though Apple and its assemblers remain confident in meeting initial demand.