Report: iPhone Memory Costs Set to Quadruple by 2027
A recent report indicates that the cost of memory for iPhones is expected to quadruple by 2027, potentially making it 45 percent of the device's component costs. Apple, which has historically been a major buyer of memory, is now facing competition from AI infrastructure companies that are outbidding consumer electronics makers for limited supply. This shift is influencing Apple's product strategy, leading to a staggered launch for the iPhone 18 series.
- ▪Memory costs for iPhones could rise to 45 percent of component costs by 2027, up from 10 percent today.
- ▪Apple is now competing with AI infrastructure buyers for memory supply, which is affecting its purchasing power.
- ▪The iPhone 18 series may see a staggered launch, with lower-priced models delayed until spring 2027.
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| Original publisher | MacRumors |
| Canonical URL | https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/iphone-memory-costs-quadruple-2027/ |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:57:42 PDT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-29T10:16:54.510Z |
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Report: iPhone Memory Costs Set to Quadruple by 2027Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:14 am PDT by Tim HardwickMemory could account for as much as 45 percent of an iPhone's component costs by 2027, up from around 10 percent today, according to a JPMorgan analysis cited by the Financial Times ($). Apple buys memory for roughly 250 million iPhones a year and has historically been one of the largest customers in the category. But Apple has reportedly now gone from a position where it could set terms to one where it now has to compete with rivals for supply. The principal reason is the heavily subsidized AI build-out that's underway.
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