Apple to introduce at least five new iPhone models amid memory shortages: Report
While Apple plans to launch at least five new iPhone models between the second half of this year and the first half of 2027, it is also ramping up production plans for foldable devices that appear to compete for a bigger slice of the market due to industry-wide component supply shortages in Nikkei Asia. reported Thursday.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report stated that the US technology giant has instructed suppliers to prepare to produce approximately 10 million foldable iPhones this year, increasing from the previous estimate of 7 million units to 8 million units.
Before launching its first foldable device, Apple has already secured components for around 80 million smartphones spread across new models for the second half of 2026, according to Nikkei Asia.
The report stated that Apple’s total smartphone production in 2026 is expected to exceed 220 million units. As AI-related demand-driven shortages spread across the industry, the scale and purchasing power in memory and component supply remains significantly stronger than many of its peers.
This has allowed Apple to manage supply shortages better than Chinese rivals such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, which have cut annual production targets below 100 million units, Nikkei Asia reported.
“Compared to Apple’s bargaining power, Chinese smartphone makers are in a weak spot to supply more memory chips or raise prices,” one executive said. A supplier to both Apple and Xiaomi told Nikkei Asia. “This gives Apple good motivation to launch iPhones in the spring and get more of its share.”
Apple’s efforts to secure components come as a global memory shortage driven by demand from AI data centers is driving up costs across the industry.
Bloomberg reported on Thursday It is stated that Apple is in negotiations to supply memory chips from Chinese manufacturers ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies for devices sold in China. Pentagon list Number of companies allegedly supporting Beijing’s military. Apple did not confirm the discussions, and Bloomberg reported that talks were ongoing.
Apple is reportedly trying to expand its supplier base as memory shortages strain production in the consumer electronics industry.
According to Nikkei Asia, Apple plans to introduce at least two new iPhones in the first half of 2027, including the standard iPhone 18 and the new iPhone Air.
The aggressive product roadmap comes after Apple last week implemented price increases for its MacBook and iPad lineup due to rising memory and storage costs.
Apple did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
