Apple’s Premium iPhone Models To Take Priority Amid Memory Shortages, Says Report

Highlights

• Apple plans to prioritise production and shipment of high-end iPhones.
• Rising memory chip and material costs along with complex manufacturing processes are driving Apple to optimise resources.
• Apple has not officially commented on the latest report yet.

Apple is reportedly planning to prioritise the production and shipment of its top-tier iPhone models in 2026. This also means the Cupertino giant will be pushing back the launch of its standard iPhone models and we may get to see a shift in marketing strategy and ongoing supply-chain challenges.

According to a recently published Nikkei Asia report, the company will focus on its premium lineup amid rising component costs, citing four people familiar with the matter.

As per the report, the US-based tech giant will centre its flagship launch in the second half of 2026 around three high-end iPhones. These are said to include Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, along with two non-folding models that will feature upgraded cameras and larger displays. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is now expected to be shipped in the first half of 2027 instead of launching alongside the premium variants.

This strategy is reportedly aimed at optimising resources and boosting revenue and profit margins from higher-priced devices, especially at a time when the cost of memory chips and other materials continues to climb. The move is also said to help Apple reduce production risks associated with the complex manufacturing processes and new technologies required for its first foldable iPhone.

“Supply chain smoothness is one of the key challenges for this year, and the marketing strategy change also played a part in the decision (to prioritize premium models),” an executive at an iPhone supplier with direct knowledge of the plan told Nikkei Asia.

The report comes shortly after Apple delivered a strong quarterly performance driven by robust iPhone demand. Apple CEO Tim Cook told Reuters that demand for the latest iPhone models was “staggering.“

The latest report could not be independently verified. Moreover, several media reports suggest Apple is immediately responding to a request for comment on the latest report.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Apple prioritising premium iPhone models in 2026?

Answer. Apple is focusing on high-end models due to rising memory chip and material costs, aiming to optimise resources, boost profits, and reduce risks tied to complex manufacturing of its first foldable iPhone.

Q2. What iPhones are expected to launch in the second half of 2026?

Answer. Apple plans to release three premium iPhones, including its first-ever foldable iPhone and two non-folding models with upgraded cameras and larger displays.

Q3. When will the standard iPhone 18 be available?

Answer. The standard iPhone 18 is now expected to ship in the first half of 2027, instead of launching alongside the premium variants in 2026.

Also Read –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/apple-delays-iphone-air-2-launch-no-new-release-timeline-shared-report/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/rumour-apple-could-be-teasing-high-end-macbook-pro-on-january-28/