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MacBook Air 13-inch with the M4 chip is currently priced at about 26.2 million VND, cheaper than the newly increased Surface Pro 12-inch at 27.5 million VND, a rare paradox stemming from the global memory chip shortage. Hoarding memory chips to block rivals According to the latest report from Daishin Securities, Apple is actively purchasing all available mobile DRAM memory chips on the market. The aim is to secure supply for the iPhone production line and prevent rivals from accessing this key component, thereby hindering them from meeting delivery targets. Daishin analyst Hyung-Geun Ryu says this tactic has caused an alarming domino effect: Chinese smartphone manufacturers, already concerned about supply, are now competing to stockpile memory chips, worsening the shortage. Meanwhile, Apple has raised its iPhone shipment target for Q1 2026 to 240 million units, though the figure remains cautious. Regarded as the architect of this strategy is Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities. As early as January 2026, he advised Apple to actively take advantage of the disruption in the memory-chip market: accept paying higher component costs in exchange for keeping prices across the entire product lineup unchanged, even if that means sacrificing part of the already fat profit margins.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
