The SK hynix memory shortage will last through 2030, the company said on October 28 as it reported third-quarter 2026 results. SK hynix supplies memory to Apple, so the outlook bears directly on iPhone, iPad and Mac costs.
SK hynix’s Q3 2026 results show revenue of 104.6 trillion won and operating profit of 83.3 trillion won, an 80% margin. Revenue rose 328% and operating profit rose 632% from a year earlier. The company also said 14 customers have signed long-term agreements covering more than half of its 2027 and 2028 capacity, typically on five-year terms.
SK hynix memory shortage to persist through 2030
CFO Kim Woo-hyun said on the earnings call that PC and mobile shipments are expected to fall because rising memory prices and supply shortages are raising costs for device makers. He added that AI demand more than offsets the lost volume.
The CFO also said more fabs do not necessarily mean more supply. Reports in September said SK hynix may bring Apple’s memory chip production to the US, but the company’s own outlook still runs through 2030. Capital spending is set to rise significantly next year as the Yongin fab reaches full Phase 1 operation.
On the product side, SK hynix expects HBM4 to overtake HBM3E in the fourth quarter. It also plans to raise its 321-layer NAND process to more than half of its domestic production capacity in the same quarter.
Apple’s shipments are falling with the PC market
IDC says Apple shipped 5.9 million PCs in the third quarter of 2026, down 11.3%. The PC market fell 20.1% to 62.7 million units, so Apple still gained market share.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale September 18 at $1,199 and $1,299 with 256GB of storage. In August, reports said Apple may cut 2026 hardware shipments amid the memory shortage. Apple reports fiscal fourth-quarter results on November 2 at 2 p.m. PT.
SK hynix’s long-term agreements show AI customers reserving supply years ahead, which leaves Apple bidding for what is left. Tim Cook has said more memory suppliers won’t necessarily cut prices, and a 2030 outlook backs him up.
