iPhone 18 Pro May Omit Chinese Memory Chips, Leaks Suggest

Apple's design change for the iPhone 18 Pro could exclude memory chips from Chinese supplier CXMT, potentially sustaining high production costs.

• Industry leaks indicate Apple is redesigning the iPhone 18 Pro with WMCM technology, moving DRAM chips from above the processor beside it.
• The new design requires close collaboration with memory suppliers, giving existing partners Samsung and SK Hynix an advantage over CXMT.
• Apple is testing chips from CXMT and YMTC but primarily to secure supply rather than reduce costs for high-end models.
• Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will rely on traditional memory suppliers, potentially contributing to a high launch price.