Story perspectives

Apple Agrees to 100% Price Hike for Memory Chips

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Apple Inc. agrees to a 100% price increase for LPDDR5X memory from Samsung Electronics Co., paying about $70 per unit.
The deal follows urgent negotiations amid AI-driven memory shortages, with Samsung initially seeking a 60% increase.
Apple expects higher memory costs to pressure margins but will keep iPhone 18 Pro prices, while Samsung splits DRAM sourcing with Micron for the Galaxy S26.

History

Historical Context

The introduction of DRAM technology in 1983 by Intel and Micron transformed computer memory, paving the way for modern semiconductor advancements. By 2025, Samsung Electronics emerged as the leading NAND flash manufacturer, holding a 30% market share. Recent AI-driven shortages have led to significant price fluctuations, impacting companies like Apple as they navigate rising costs while maintaining competitive pricing for devices like the iPhone.

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Story summary

Apple Inc. agrees to a 100% price increase for LPDDR5X memory from Samsung Electronics Co., paying about $70 per unit.
The deal follows urgent negotiations amid AI-driven memory shortages, with Samsung initially seeking a 60% increase.
Apple expects higher memory costs to pressure margins but will keep iPhone 18 Pro prices, while Samsung splits DRAM sourcing with Micron for the Galaxy S26.

1 / 2