Apple is losing its price power over memory chips, a bad sign for iPhone costs and a good one for memory makers like Kioxia, Samsung and SK Hynix.

• Apple has reportedly signed a long-term deal to lock in NAND flash memory supply instead of hunting for the cheapest price.
• AI data centers are eating up memory production, leaving less for phones and consumer gadgets.
• Japan's Kioxia is seen as the likely partner, with talk of a three-to-five year contract and no price ceiling.
• Apple already agreed to pay Kioxia double the old price this year, and its attempt to add China's CXMT as a cheaper backup went nowhere — the quotes were no better, and Washington frowns on Chinese memory in Apple devices.

Outlook: Apple may sign similar long deals for iPhone DRAM next, a sign the memory market now favors sellers over buyers.