Apple iPhone 17 Pro RAM Price Increase
Table of Contents
- Background: Rising Component Costs
- Why Apple Is Paying a 230 Percent Premium
- Samsung’s Role as Key RAM Supplier
- Impact on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air
- What This Means for Smartphone Prices
Background: Rising Component Costs
Apple is reportedly facing a sharp increase in memory component costs as prices for 12GB LPDDR5x RAM surge across the smartphone industry. The premium RAM modules are used in the iPhone 17 Pro series and the recently launched iPhone Air, both of which debuted globally in September.
The rising cost of memory components reflects a broader industry trend, where smartphone manufacturers are grappling with higher prices for key parts amid tight supply and growing demand from the artificial intelligence sector.
Why Apple Is Paying a 230 Percent Premium:Apple iPhone 17 Pro RAM Price Increase
According to a report shared by tech blogger Lanzuk, the price of the 12GB LPDDR5x RAM used in Apple’s latest flagship phones has increased by more than 230 percent. When Apple initially signed its supply contract, the RAM modules were reportedly priced between $25 and $29 per unit.
That figure has now risen to around $70 per unit, significantly increasing Apple’s bill of materials. The spike in prices has added pressure on Apple’s hardware costs and complicated its long-term sourcing strategy.
Samsung’s Role as Key RAM Supplier
Samsung is said to be Apple’s primary supplier for the LPDDR5x RAM used in the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. While Apple has reportedly explored diversifying its supplier base, it has been unable to secure an alternative vendor capable of meeting its volume and quality requirements.
As a result, Apple is now believed to be renegotiating contract terms with the South Korean tech giant, rather than switching suppliers altogether.
Impact on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air
The increased RAM costs come at a time when demand for Apple’s flagship models continues to grow. The iPhone 17 Pro series features 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM paired with Apple’s 3nm A19 chip, while the iPhone Air also uses the same memory configuration.
According to the report, Apple had previously secured large quantities of memory components, providing some short-term insulation from price shocks. However, continued strong demand could eventually expose the company more fully to rising costs.
What This Means for Smartphone Prices
Market analysts note that rising RAM and component costs are affecting smartphone makers globally. Research firm Counterpoint recently revised its global smartphone shipment forecast for 2026, predicting a 2.1 percent decline amid higher production costs.
With more DRAM supply being redirected toward AI-related applications, shortages could intensify in the coming months. This may force manufacturers, including Apple, to raise device prices or absorb thinner margins.
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While rumours have circulated about potential price increases for future iPhone models, Apple has previously dismissed claims of immediate hikes. However, sustained component inflation could make price adjustments harder to avoid in the long term.
The tech blogger claims that Apple had acquired large quantities of memory sticks initially, which currently puts it in a relatively secure position. But that could change soon as the demand for the flagship iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air continues to rise.
This comes at a time when smartphone makers across the globe have started feeling the pinch from the rising prices of RAM and other components. Recently, the market research firm Counterpoint revised its Global Smartphone Shipment Tracker and Forecast for 2026, stating that the global smartphone shipments will likely shrink by 2.1 percent next year. As more DRAMs get redirected towards the AI industry, this shortage could worsen in the coming months.
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By The News Update — Updated December 24, 2025
