Latest price predictions for the iPhone 18 Pro before its launch.
With less than a week until the launch of the new iPhones, some predictions suggest that Apple may significantly increase the price of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max due to escalating component costs.
The iPhone 18 Pro could be $200 more expensive than its predecessor.
According to new forecasts from market research firm TrendForce, the iPhone 18 Pro could have a starting price of $1,249 - $1,299, which is $150 - $200 higher than the $1,099 price tag of the iPhone 17 Pro.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is predicted to be priced between $1,349 and $1,399, an increase of $150 to $200 compared to the $1,199 price tag of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
If this forecast comes true, the price of the two new high-end iPhone models will increase by approximately 10-20% compared to the previous generation. This is a significant adjustment, especially considering that Apple has for many years tried to maintain stable starting prices in major markets.
The new forecast is also relatively consistent with TrendForce's previous analysis in June, when the company estimated that the iPhone 18 Pro could see a price increase of around 14-18%.
Memory costs are soaring due to AI.
The reason is believed to lie in the cost of memory, which is under immense pressure from the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI).
TrendForce reports that the price of a 256GB memory chip has increased by nearly 400% compared to the same period last year. The company's analysis also shows that the total cost of goods sold (BOM) for a 256GB iPhone Pro model has increased by approximately 38% during the same timeframe.
The rapid development of AI is driving a huge demand for memory and data center components. As manufacturers prioritize resources for the AI market, the cost of memory for consumer electronics is also being affected.
This puts pressure not only on Apple but also on many other smartphone and electronics manufacturers.
However, Apple is not expected to pass the entire increased cost on to consumers. TrendForce predicts that the company may accept a reduction in its profit margin to limit the price increase.
Foldable iPhones could surpass $2,000.
If the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are predicted to see a significant price increase, Apple's first special edition iPhone could attract even more attention.
According to TrendForce, Apple's first foldable iPhone, often rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, could have a starting price of $2,099-$2,299. The highest storage capacity version could even exceed $3,000.
This would be a significantly higher price point than traditional iPhones, placing the device in the highest-end smartphone segment of the market.
Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is not expected to appear at the same time as the Pro models. This device is rumored to launch in the spring of 2027. TrendForce also predicts a possible price increase of 10-20% for this model.
Apple will announce the official price next week.
Last year, Apple limited the price increase of the iPhone 17 line in the US, with the iPhone 17 Pro increasing by about $100 compared to the previous generation, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max maintained its starting price of $1,199.
However, the situation this year may be different as memory and component costs continue to be impacted by the demand for AI. If this trend persists, phone manufacturers may have to choose between raising prices, reducing profit margins, or cutting costs in other areas.
However, these figures are still just predictions. The official selling prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will only be confirmed when Apple holds its new product launch event at 0:00 AM on September 10th, Vietnam time.
