During today's conference call, Tim Cook addressed Apple’s mounting memory supply and pricing challenges. He said adding more suppliers might improve availability but likely won’t reverse recent price hikes. Apple has been lobbying for US government approval to source memory from block‑listed Chinese suppliers CXMT and YMTC.

On the Q3 2026 earnings call, Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh explained the sharp rise in memory costs and that diversifying suppliers would help supply, not necessarily pricing. Cook noted the DRAM market has only three players; more suppliers would help availability, not necessarily prices. He corrected himself after initially suggesting price cuts, tempering expectations.

Apple plans to use Chinese memory in devices sold outside the US, preserving components for U.S. models. Cook’s clarification signals that future price increases may not be temporary. The company continues to evaluate options to balance supply and value for customers.

For a deeper look at Q3 2026 results, follow the link.