The semiconductor shortage will affect Apple’s flagship product in 2021 and potentially earlier models.
The next iPhone, which would go by the iPhone 13, is expected to be announced this September.
There are significant changes such as high refresh rate displays and even the possibility of including support for satellite calls, but there is also potentially bad news.
A Digitimes report indicates that Apple will have to raise its prices after receiving a new rate from the largest chipmaker, TSMC.
Apple will have to pay more for its chips.
The “more mature processes” will rise to 20%; this refers to the 5 nanometers that we see in the iPhone 12, and it is estimated that it will be the basis for its successor chips.
A TrendForce report from two weeks ago indicated that Apple had decided against raising prices, but TSMC’s announcement will make this much more difficult. Even older iPhone models will be affected.
Digitimes explains that “less mature” processes such as those used to make chips for the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone 11 will rise to 5%.
In a call to investors and analysts, Apple confirmed that its iPhone stock will be limited by semiconductor shortages for the rest of 2021, so consumers looking for a new iPhone will have to compete for one, despite the potential price rise.