$Apple(AAPL.US) Apple shares fell after a disappointing forecast showed that the iPhone maker was struggling to secure enough components as the AI-driven data center boom strains global supply chains. Tim Cook, widely hailed as a supply-chain genius, called the shortages “very significant” and said Apple had limited options to address them. If even at Apple’s scale they are saying they are out all supply chain flexibility, it’s really bad for everyone. Big Tech has been scooping up advanced chip-making capacity and memory chips to power its AI data centers, sparking shortages and price increases that are expected to shrink both the personal computer and smartphone markets this year. Apple had cushioned some of the blow from surging memory costs by drawing on stockpiled inventory, but Cook said that the buffer was fading and shortages of processors were keeping it from meeting strong demand for iPhones and Macs. Its forecast on Thursday for revenue growth of between 9% and 11% in the current quarter fell short of Wall Street’s roughly 12% estimate, and softer growth in its services business also overshadowed otherwise strong June quarter results. The slowdown could deepen if iPhone sales take a hit from a price increase that many analysts expect during the launch of the new lineup, which typically happens in September. @Captain's Treasure