iPhone 17 Sales Success Becomes a Cash Cow for Samsung, Here’s How

I’ve long argued that any success Apple enjoys directly benefits Samsung, and that’s exactly what’s happening now. Apple’s iPhone 17 series is off to a strong start in China, according to a new report. First-week sales reached 1.03 million units, which is about 47 per cent increase over the iPhone 16 series. The new models are drawing buyers with upgraded screens and 12 GB of RAM across the lineup.

Samsung is cashing in on iPhone 17 demand with its RAM play

While Apple gets most of the attention, Samsung is quietly reaping the benefits of the iPhone 17 series’ success. Samsung provides the largest share of the RAM used in these devices, which means each iPhone sold brings more revenue to Samsung. SK Hynix and Micron also supply memory, but Samsung consistently lands the biggest orders.

Demand for these chips is so high that production is running at full capacity. If supply can’t keep up, prices could rise, giving Samsung even more revenue from Apple’s booming sales. In other words, Apple’s success is simultaneously turning into a significant win for Samsung.

While Apple may have the limelight with record-breaking smartphone sales, Samsung is quietly turning Apple’s triumph into its own profit engine. In the tech world, a rival’s victory can also be your payday. And in this case, Apple has effectively become a cash cow for Samsung.

That said, Samsung is already preparing the Galaxy S26 series, set to launch early next year. These phones will compete directly with the iPhone 17 series (including Air). In an opinion column, we discuss four key features Samsung should consider borrowing from the iPhone 17, and you must check it out. And I write an opinion whether I’d want Galaxy S26 Ultra in Cosmic Orange or not.