Apple Gears Up for iPhone 18 Launch by Ordering 13 Million 10nm LPDDR5X DRAM Chips from Samsung

The highly anticipated iPhone 18 series is set to make its debut in the fourth quarter of 2026. With competitive pressure mounting, Apple is taking proactive measures by securing essential components ahead of time, beginning with DRAM. A recent report reveals that Apple has proactively requested Samsung to supply a staggering 13 million 10nm LPDDR5X 1b DRAM chips for the second quarter of next year. This strategic move aims to give Apple a significant advantage over its rivals in the smartphone marketplace.

iPhone 18 to Feature 12GB LPDDR5X RAM as Standard

As smartphones evolve with the integration of demanding AAA games and advanced generative AI functionalities, Apple is progressively enhancing the RAM specifications across its iPhone lineup. This year marked the introduction of 12GB LPDDR5X RAM in the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Expectations indicate that the forthcoming iPhone 18 may follow suit, with the base model expected to upgrade from 8GB to 12GB of RAM, as reported by The Bell.

Moreover, a prior report indicated that the iPhone 18 lineup will be equipped with six-channel DRAM, boosting the bandwidth essential for handling AI-related tasks. However, it was noted that there were no plans for Apple to adopt the next-generation LPDDR6 technology, a detail clarified by the Korean publication.

Despite prior yield challenges with Samsung’s 1b DRAM, the company has successfully stabilized production and reached satisfactory levels for its clients. Interestingly, the upcoming iPhone 18 release will deviate from Apple’s usual timeline. In 2026, consumers can look forward to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable model, while the standard iPhone 18 is anticipated to launch in the first half of 2027.

During this transitional phase, Samsung’s dominance as a DRAM supplier for Apple is poised to expand, reinforcing its reliability as a partner for the tech giant—similar to its established role in providing OLED displays. Additionally, Samsung is progressing toward becoming the sole supplier of OLED panels for Apple’s upcoming M6 MacBook Pro, scheduled for release in late 2026.

For further details, check out the full article from The Bell.

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