Core Insights - The demand surge driven by the AI boom is challenging Apple's bargaining power in the SSD supply chain [1][3] - Apple previously secured advantageous long-term agreements for NAND supply, but is now facing significant price increases and shorter contract durations [1][3] Group 1: Supply Chain Dynamics - Apple historically purchased 23% of global NAND capacity in 2012 at approximately $0.67 per GB, with prices dropping to $0.25 per GB in 2018 [1] - Currently, Apple is paying twice the previous price for NAND flash memory from Kioxia, with contracts now renegotiated every six months instead of years [1][3] Group 2: Market Demand and Competition - The AI server market's explosive growth is outpacing supply chain capacity, leading to shortages in the consumer market [3] - Gartner estimates that global AI spending will reach $2.5 trillion by 2026, prompting companies to increase AI investments to remain competitive [3] - In the processor sector, Apple faces similar cost inflation, with Nvidia surpassing Apple as TSMC's largest customer, and the cost of the upcoming A20 processor expected to be double that of the A19 [3]
AI冲击苹果NAND议价优势:曾多年一签,如今缩至6个月