Samsung RAM May Power More iPhones in the Future

Samsung already supplies RAM to Apple for its iPhones, and this relationship is likely to grow stronger. The Cupertino giant has reportedly requested the Korean memory maker to increase its supply of LPDDR5X chips for upcoming iPhone models. This will definitely help Samsung’s memory division boost revenue.

Apple reportedly increases RAM demand for next-generation iPhones

In recent years, Apple has increased the amount of RAM in its iPhones to support powerful AI features. For example, the iPhone 17 series comes with 12GB of RAM in the Pro and Pro Max models, up from 8GB in previous generations. The upcoming iPhone 18 series may feature 12GB even in the base model. That means Apple will need more high-performance memory.

As a result, Apple has requested Samsung to supply around 13 million LPDDR5X chips for the second quarter of next year, according to The Bell. To meet this demand, the Korean firm may allocate a considerable share of its 10nm-class fifth-generation (1b) DRAM production capacity to Apple.

Launched in 2024, Samsung’s LPDDR5X is available in two capacities: 12GB and 16GB. These chips support cutting-edge features like on-device artificial intelligence (AI). Thanks to the chip’s thinner design, it improves airflow and thermal control. However, as die capacity increases from 8GB to 12GB, fewer chips can be produced from a single wafer. This means Samsung will need to increase the wafers input to meet Apple’s growing orders.

When it comes to large-scale production of chips, one of the major concerns is yield. Thankfully, Samsung has recently stabilized yields. “It is true that there was a yield issue with 1b DRAM-based LPDDR,” said a Samsung insider. “Currently, the yield has stabilized, and it has reached a level that customers are satisfied with.”

Meanwhile, Apple is also in talks with SK Hynix and Micron for additional mobile DRAM supply. However, industry watchers believe Samsung remains in the best position to respond to Apple’s request.