Cramer Warns iPhone Prices Will Rise Without Chinese Memory — Here’s Why Apple Can’t Wait for U.S. Production

CNBC commentator Jim Cramer reported that Apple is actively seeking to source memory components from Chinese suppliers to counter severe domestic DRAM and storage supply constraints. According to Cramer, domestic memory manufacturing is insufficient to support current production requirements, and without access to Chinese suppliers, consumer iPhone prices are likely to rise. The comments triggered market volatility across the memory and semiconductor sectors, pushing Micron down 5.83% and Nvidia lower by 2.91%, while Apple shares remained relatively steady with a 0.32% gain. The broader memory market remains heavily constrained amid booming artificial intelligence infrastructure demand. Micron reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $41.5 billion, representing a 346% surge year-over-year, and guided fourth-quarter revenue toward approximately $50 billion. Although memory producers are operating facilities six days a week to hit 2027 targets, lead times for new capacity remain extended. While the near-term supply headline caused sector turbulence, analyst commentary suggests underlying semiconductor demand fundamentals remain robust.