Supply Chain
Ongoing coverage on Supply Chain.
Latest coverage
Apple said to be talking to Intel and Samsung about building key device processors
Apple is reportedly in discussions with Intel and Samsung regarding the manufacturing of key device processors. This move is driven by Apple's concerns about its current supply chain flexibility.
Steam Controller goes out of stock as Valve get a ton of "Game Console" shipments
The Steam Controller has sold out in multiple regions shortly after its standalone release, indicating high demand. Valve is reportedly receiving significant shipments of "Game Console" hardware, potentially including more Steam Deck units, Steam Machines, and Steam Frames, suggesting a potential restocking wave.
Apple CEO doesn't expect the RAM memory crisis to go away any time soon
Apple CEO Tim Cook anticipates that the current crisis of expensive RAM memory will persist, impacting the company's business. He noted that while Apple managed minimal impact in the last quarter, significant effects are expected on Mac models due to high demand and continued high memory costs. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing demand for AI data centers, contributing to a wider industry-wide supply crunch.
'We undercalled the level of enthusiasm': Apple's Tim Cook says supply is constrained for the MacBook Neo, but 'we could not be happier with how things are going at the moment'
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the new MacBook Neo is experiencing supply constraints due to unexpectedly high demand, exceeding the company's initial projections. Despite these challenges, Cook expressed satisfaction with the product's performance and uptake, noting its adoption by school systems and individual consumers. The company is also navigating increasing memory costs which are expected to impact business beyond the current quarter.
Toilet maker Toto is here to help with the RAM crisis
Toilet manufacturer Toto is investing more into its ceramics division, which produces components used in NAND memory manufacturing. This move aims to address the ongoing RAM crisis by increasing production capacity for essential semiconductor materials.
Tim Cook says Apple (AAPL) is not constrained by RAM supply in the next quarter
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company's system-on-a-chip components, rather than RAM or storage, will be the primary constraint in the next quarter. This indicates a shift in focus for potential supply chain limitations.
'Our demand fulfillment rate is now at a record low' says Samsung as it makes its DRAM 90% more expensive than…
Samsung, the world's largest memory chip maker, is experiencing a record low demand fulfillment rate for DRAM. Despite this, the company has increased its DRAM prices by approximately 90% quarter-over-quarter, significantly boosting its profits. This surge in demand is largely attributed to the vast appetite of the AI industry for memory chips.
Samsung says there are 'no supply chain issues to date' from war in the Middle East but the company is making…
Samsung is experiencing supply chain challenges due to conflicts in the Middle East, primarily impacting oil prices and consequently increasing global ocean and air freight costs. The company is actively monitoring inventory and optimizing operations, exploring alternative transportation and long-term contracts to mitigate these rising logistics expenses and maintain cost competitiveness.
Microsoft predicts memory crisis will affect its revenue as struggling OEMs won't be as liberal with Windows…
Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood stated that the ongoing memory crisis is expected to negatively impact revenue from Windows OEM purchases. This decline is attributed to increased component costs leading to higher PC prices, reduced PC market demand, and a decrease in inventory levels for original equipment manufacturers.
'Feel free to start a laptop company and see what suppliers quote you for GDDR7': Framework vents frustration…
Framework is facing challenges with the pricing and availability of GDDR7 memory for its laptop graphics modules, particularly the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070. The company's CEO highlighted the impact of the AI industry's demand on memory prices, suggesting that current pricing for components like the 12 GB graphics module, at $1,199, is a reflection of these supply chain issues. Future releases, such as the rumored Nvidia RTX 5050, may also be affected by these trends.
Morning Mobilization
Valve has confirmed that development on the Steam Deck 2 is ongoing, though they are also addressing current stock issues with the original Steam Deck. The company is actively working on the next iteration of their handheld PC.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma hints memory costs "will impact" pricing and availability of next-gen Project Helix console
Xbox boss Asha Sharma has indicated that ongoing memory cost increases will likely impact the pricing and availability of the company's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. Sharma stated that these factors are being considered as the company plans for future hardware releases, with no specific timeline currently available. The global RAM crisis is expected to continue impacting console production until late 2027 or early 2028.
As the Steam Controller breaks cover, Valve say they're hard at work on the Steam Deck 2 and keeping current Decks in stock
Valve has confirmed that development is underway for the Steam Deck 2, with learnings from current hardware projects like the Steam Controller informing its design. The company is also actively working to address stock shortages for the current Steam Deck models by diversifying manufacturers and navigating global component availability issues.
The Rise of Desktop Manufacturing: Why Small-Scale Tools Are Changing How We Create
Desktop manufacturing, driven by affordable and compact tools like 3D printers and CNC machines, is democratizing product creation by enabling individuals and small businesses to design and produce goods from their homes or studios. This shift allows for rapid iteration, reduces reliance on traditional supply chains, and fosters a new generation of creators who can bring ideas to physical reality with greater speed and autonomy.
Project Helix Pricing, Availability Will be Impacted by Memory Shortages, Says Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ongoing memory shortages will impact the pricing and availability of the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix. Development kits for Project Helix will be distributed next year, with Microsoft aiming for a unified development approach across console, PC, and cloud platforms. The company recently rebranded its Microsoft Gaming division to Xbox.
Evening Interviews
Valve discusses Steam Controller pricing, the ongoing RAM shortage impacting hardware production, and provides an update on the development of the Steam Deck 2. The interview covers various aspects of their hardware initiatives.
Meta Quest headset prices are going up on April 19
Meta is increasing the prices of its Quest 3 and Quest 3S virtual reality headsets starting April 19 due to rising RAM costs. The Quest 3 will increase by $100 to $599, and the Quest 3S will be $50 more expensive at $350 for the 128GB model. Sony also recently raised prices for PlayStation 5 consoles and the PlayStation Portal for similar reasons.
PS5 Sales Break 2026 Records as Gamers Rush to Beat RAM Crisis Price Hikes
PlayStation 5 sales have surged in the US, breaking 2026 records as consumers rush to purchase consoles before potential price hikes driven by a looming RAM crisis. Gamers are anticipating increased component costs impacting manufacturing, leading to a preemptive buying spree. This surge is affecting retailers and the secondary market, with similar trends observed in other hardware segments.
MediaTek is 'cautiously optimistic' that discrete memory pricing will look less gloomy during 2026
MediaTek is cautiously optimistic that discrete memory pricing will improve in the second half of 2026, despite current challenges driven by AI demand. The semiconductor company, which saw significant revenue growth in 2025, acknowledges pricing difficulties but expects a slowdown in consumer price increases later in the year. While capacity agreements are in place, future supply constraints from manufacturers like TSMC remain a concern.
PlayStation6 might not deliver a price shock, but don’t bite too much into the feel-good murmurs
Recent reports suggest the upcoming PlayStation 6 console may launch at a price closer to the PlayStation 5's current cost, potentially around $749, despite rising component and memory prices. While manufacturing costs are estimated to be high, factors like production efficiency and potential stabilization of component prices could prevent it from exceeding $1,000. The volatility of the global supply chain and geopolitical factors remain key uncertainties for the final retail price.
