Apple's iPhone led smartphone sales in the latest quarter as higher prices weighed on many Android rivals. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple benefited from keeping its pricing more stable while component costs, especially for RAM, pushed up prices across the wider phone market.
The report suggests Apple's edge came from its ability to absorb some of those rising parts costs instead of passing them on immediately to buyers. That contrasted with much of the Android market, where price increases became more visible as manufacturers dealt with the same supply pressure.
The RAM shortage has been a major factor in the current pricing environment. As memory costs climbed, smartphone makers faced tougher decisions on margins and retail pricing, and that appears to have helped the iPhone stand out against competing handsets that became more expensive.
Even so, Apple has indicated that this advantage may not last indefinitely. CEO Tim Cook has described future price rises as unavoidable, signaling that Apple too could feel the effect of continued component inflation if supply pressures remain in place.
