Apple has just announced reaching 111.2 billion USD in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (ending at the end of March), the highest level ever.
This is also the last quarter under the direct management of CEO Tim Cook before he transferred the position to his successor John Ternus.
Despite the brilliant financial picture, warnings about component costs, especially memory chips, are casting a shadow over the short-term prospects of the technology giant.
In the report, Tim Cook emphasized that iPhone continues to be the main driving force when recording the highest revenue ever for the first quarter of the year.
The strong purchasing power of the iPhone 17 line helps Apple maintain its growth momentum, despite the context of a volatile global market. However, behind the impressive figure is increasing cost pressure.
According to Apple leaders, the cost of memory chips in the past quarter was significantly higher than in previous periods.
Although the company still consumes all inventory to compensate, forecasts show that this pressure will be even greater in the following quarters, especially from June onwards.
This is the consequence of a trend called "RAMageddon" by technology, when the demand for artificial intelligence systems makes the supply of memory chips scarce.
The shortage of components is not only Apple's problem but also affects the entire industry.
However, for a company heavily dependent on hardware like Apple, the impact is more obvious. Notably, the sharp increase in RAM costs has directly affected the iPhone production process, the key product that contributes the majority of revenue.
One of the scenarios put forward by analysts is that Apple may have to adjust iPhone selling prices in the near future. Tim Cook himself also admitted that the supply chain is facing more difficulties in ensuring components.
This means that the profit margin may be narrowed if the company does not have timely response measures.
In that context, John Ternus, who will officially become CEO from September 1, is expected to face many challenges as soon as he takes office.
Coming from the position of hardware technical leader, he is expected to continue to maintain stability in the supply chain, a field that has been Tim Cook's strength for many years.
After leaving the CEO position, Tim Cook will move to the role of Executive Chairman, continuing to accompany and strategically support Apple.
Record business results show that Apple is still at its peak performance. However, the problem of component costs and the risk of memory chip shortages will be a major test for the new leadership, in the context of an increasingly fierce technology race.
