Apple has reportedly agreed to pay Samsung double its previous rate for DRAM chips, the memory used in iPhones and Macs, according to South Korean financial publication Dealsite. The tech giant renewed its RAM deal with Samsung for the first half of 2026, with an industry insider suggesting Apple accepted the 100% price increase without negotiation.

Massive worldwide demand for AI servers has created unprecedented pressure on memory supplies, forcing manufacturers to renegotiate terms. Apple's previous ability to secure low prices and long-term deals has evaporated as DRAM production struggles to keep pace with demand. The wholesale cost of RAM is predicted to rise between three and four times by the end of 2026, potentially making Apple's current deal look reasonable in hindsight.

While the report raises questions about Samsung's pricing strategy given its role as DRAM manufacturer, the broader context is clear: Apple faces mounting component costs across multiple fronts. The company is reportedly paying double for NAND storage and the iPhone 18's A20 processor as well. Though Apple can absorb these increases better than many competitors, there's a limit to how much cost it can absorb before passing price hikes to consumers.