Apple can't secure enough chips as iPhone demand surges, memory prices rise

Core Viewpoint - Apple reported strong first-quarter earnings and anticipates growth of 13% to 16% in the upcoming quarter, contingent on securing sufficient chip supply to meet iPhone demand [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings and Growth Projections - Apple expects total company revenue for the March quarter to grow by 13% to 16% year over year, factoring in constrained iPhone supply [2]. - The company predicts gross margins to be between 48% and 49% in the March quarter, which would be an increase compared to the December quarter [6]. Group 2: Supply Chain and Component Constraints - CEO Tim Cook highlighted that the main constraint on iPhone production is access to advanced node manufacturing for A-series and M-series chips, produced in collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company [3][4]. - Cook acknowledged that while the current supply shortage is linked to advanced node chip manufacturing, rising memory prices will also impact the company, and Apple is exploring various options to address this issue [5]. Group 3: Strategic Investments and Chip Sourcing - Apple announced plans to invest over $600 billion in the U.S. over five years, with significant funding directed towards companies committed to domestic chip manufacturing, including TSMC [7]. - In 2025, Apple sourced 20 billion chips from the U.S., exceeding its previous target of 19 billion [7].