Samsung, SK Hynix Raise Apple LPDDR DRAM Prices Up to 100%

Major memory chip suppliers Samsung and SK Hynix have imposed steep price increases on low-power double data rate (LPDDR) DRAM components for Apple, effective in the first quarter of 2026, amid surging demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure. The hikes, reported by industry analysts and South Korean sources, mark a significant escalation in costs for the iPhone maker as global supply chains strain under AI-driven pressures.

Samsung raised its LPDDR DRAM prices by 80 percent compared to the previous quarter, while SK Hynix demanded increases approaching 100 percent for supplies to Apple. These adjustments affect the memory modules critical for upcoming devices, including the iPhone 18 series expected later in 2026. For instance, a 12GB LPDDR5X module, used in models like the iPhone 17 Pro, cost around $30 at the start of 2025 but now approaches $70. Apple, traditionally able to negotiate favorable terms as the world's largest smartphone vendor, has secured agreements only for the first half of the year, rather than its customary full-year contracts. This shorter timeframe exposes the company to ongoing market volatility, as suppliers cite unpredictable pricing trends.