[Edaily Reporter Kim Kyung-eun] Analysts predict that demand for memory semiconductors will increase as Apple moves to enhance the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of its voice assistant, Siri. Consequently, expectations are growing that domestic companies in Apple’s supply chain—including #Samsung Electronics, #SK Hynix, and #LG Innotek—will benefit from this trend.

Kim Dong-won, Head of Research at KB Securities, stated in a report on the 12th, “Apple’s ‘All-in-One’ (AII Kill) strategy is expected to have a significant impact on improving the earnings of iPhone component manufacturers starting in the second quarter of 2026.” He identified Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and LG Innotek as top picks.

On the 8th (local time), Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at its headquarters, “Apple Park,” in Cupertino, California, and unveiled the new Siri. A key feature is that Siri has been redesigned as an AI agent capable of understanding user data and performing tasks.

KB Securities believes that implementing the next-generation Siri AI features requires at least 12GB of memory. Accordingly, the firm forecasts that Apple will equip all iPhone 18 models, set to launch in the second half of this year, with 12GB of DRAM.

“Apple is expected to equip all iPhone 18 models, scheduled for release in the second half of this year, with 12GB of DRAM to expand the adoption of Siri AI and stimulate iPhone replacement demand,” said Kim, the division head. “In particular, we anticipate that while memory capacity will be increased across all models—from standard to premium—iPhone prices will remain unchanged. This suggests that Apple is strategically focusing on expanding its AI ecosystem and market share rather than short-term profitability.”

He analyzed, “Starting this year, Apple’s iPhone strategy appears to prioritize expanding shipment volumes over maximizing profitability,” adding, “This is because, backed by ample cash reserves, Apple continues to purchase mobile DRAM from the world’s top three DRAM manufacturers—Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron—at prices higher than market rates.”

He continued, “Therefore, leveraging its dominance in the DRAM supply chain, Apple can simultaneously pursue price competitiveness and expand its product lineup,” emphasizing that “this is judged to be a phase of structural market share expansion that goes beyond the simple ‘new product effect,’ combining the proliferation of AI features with a price-freeze strategy.”

Apple’s strategic shift is expected to lead to increased shipments. Global iPhone shipments are projected to rise from 240 million units last year to 250 million this year and 270 million in 2027.

Kim predicted, “Apple is expected to rapidly expand its Siri AI user base through increased shipments and, based on this, expand its AI agent ecosystem.” He added, “It is highly likely that Apple will significantly expand consumer choices by establishing a lineup of six or more models, ranging from entry-level models to foldable iPhones.”

He added, “Apple appears poised to pursue an aggressive strategy to expand its market share by freezing iPhone prices and minimizing price hikes.” He noted, “In particular, as LPDDR5X—a low-power mobile DRAM—begins to be widely adopted in AI servers, competition among mobile manufacturers to secure memory is expected to intensify further.”

Furthermore, he noted, “In this process, Apple is expected to proactively secure the necessary mobile DRAM based on its ample cash reserves and strong purchasing power.” He added, “Especially ahead of the 20th anniversary of the iPhone’s launch in 2027, Apple is expected to focus on aggressively expanding its market share by significantly enhancing hardware performance while expanding the number of iPhone models and maintaining current prices.”