AI Memory Demand Puts Pressure on Apple’s Supply Chain
A TMTPost analysis cites a Chinese internet report that Apple sought a lower LPDDR5X price from ChangXin Storage but was refused. The article presents the claim as the backdrop for a broader shift in Apple’s supply-chain position as AI infrastructure absorbs memory capacity. Citing TrendForce, it says LPDDR5X contract prices rose 78% to 83% in the second quarter as manufacturers shifted production toward HBM and other server products. It also cites Ming-Chi Kuo’s forecast that tight LPDDR supply could reduce Apple’s A20 chip supply by 10% to 20%, and TrendForce’s estimate that storage could account for about 34% of iPhone 18 Pro material costs.
The analysis links tighter memory supply to Apple’s chip procurement and device costs, while arguing that AI infrastructure demand and on-device AI reduce Apple’s supply-chain control and bargaining power.
（本文作者为 文武赵，钛媒体经授权发布）
文 | 文武赵
今年8月初，一条消息在中文互联网上刷屏：苹果想跟长鑫存储谈更低的LPDDR5X采购价，被拒绝了。长鑫的态度很明确，报价不低于三星和SK海力士，甚至可以更高。
评论区几乎一边倒："国产存储站起来了""终于轮到我们对苹果说不"。一家成立十年的中国DRAM厂，拒绝了全球最强势的采购方，确实很有"爽文"味道。
不过这个故事的主角其实不是长鑫，而是苹果。
过去二十年，苹果在供应链上一直是那个"定规则的人"。它决定谁能进果链，决定价格，决定账期，决定你下一年要扩多少产能。被苹果踢出局的供应商，股价可以一天腰斩。
#Apple#ChangXin Storage#Samsung#SK hynix#Micron#Nvidia#Microsoft#Google#Meta#Amazon#TrendForce#iPhone 18 Pro