Tim Cook states more memory suppliers may not reduce Apple product prices

Memory Supply Challenges and Pricing

During Apple's Q3 2026 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook addressed the company's ongoing memory supply and pricing issues. Apple has experienced significant increases in memory costs over recent quarters, leading to price adjustments for several products.

Diversifying Suppliers for Availability

Apple is actively working to diversify its memory supply chain, including campaigning for US government approval to procure memory from Chinese suppliers CXMT and YMTC. Cook stated that adding more suppliers would primarily help improve the availability of components.

While Apple reportedly plans to use memory from Chinese suppliers in devices sold outside the US, this move could also free up components from existing suppliers for the American market, enhancing overall device availability.

Uncertainty on Price Reduction

When asked if diversifying suppliers would mitigate memory inflation or preserve customer value, Cook noted that while more suppliers could aid supply, the impact on pricing is 'unclear'. He initially suggested additional suppliers might help lower prices but then corrected himself, emphasizing that price reductions are not guaranteed.

This clarification suggests that the recent price increases for Apple products, influenced by memory costs, may not be reversed in the near future, contrary to potential customer expectations.