Apple cuts hardware shipments in 2026 due to memory shortage

Apple is scaling back its hardware delivery plans in 2026 due to DRAM shortages, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today.

Kuo made the comment in a longer post, disputing a recent report suggesting that TSMC has $1 billion in unpackaged processors waiting for memory chips that Apple has been unable to secure. Kuo said Apple plans processor production at least three months in advance based on how much memory is expected to be available, and that TSMC does not build large numbers of wafers in advance. He believes there are indeed memory shortages, but not a situation where TSMC is sitting on unused inventory.

In other words, the memory shortage is real. But my understanding is that there was no dramatic scenario where TSMC first accumulated $1 billion in WIP and then had to wait for memory to arrive before it could proceed with packaging. Both TSMC and Apple are known for their world-class execution, and such a dramatic development would be unusual given how closely the two companies coordinate their supply chains.

Memory shortages have already affected the Mac Studio, Mac mini, and MacBook Air, and it appears that ongoing supply issues will impact upcoming iPhone models as well. Memory makers have prioritized sourcing AI data centers because contracts for those chips are more cost-effective, leaving less capacity available for consumer device chips.

The lack of supply has driven up prices and led to long wait times for some products. Apple raised prices on all of its Macs and iPads in June, and iPhone prices are expected to increase in September.

The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra may be available in limited quantities due to memory issues, and we expect the devices to sell out during the pre-order period.