Apple poised to hike iphone 18 pro prices amidst component costs
Rumors of a price increase for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series are mounting, fueled by analyst predictions and a strategic move by Apple to capitalize on record sales.
C-suite signals: apple prepares for premium pricing
Sources within Apple suggest the company is ‘aggressively’ planning to raise prices for the flagship iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models, a move directly linked to soaring memory chip costs and the exceptional performance of the iPhone 17 during its March quarter. The market is responding to the basic economic principle – increased demand coupled with constrained supply invariably leads to higher prices. It’s a calculated risk, aiming to maintain the momentum of that record-breaking quarter.
Pu’s research points to a ‘strategic’ hike
Equity analyst Jeff Pu, a name widely recognized within the PhoneArena ecosystem, recently released a research note detailing Apple’s intentions. Pu’s findings, corroborated by Ming-Chi Kuo’s earlier projections, indicate a strategy to keep the iPhone 18 Pro series prices aligned with last year’s 17 series – a deliberate attempt to avoid any perceived price jumps.
Potential price floors: $1099 and $1199
Based on this analysis, the base models – the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max – are projected to launch at a starting price of $1,099 and $1,199 respectively. However, there’s speculation that Apple might introduce a new storage tier – a 2TB option – exclusively for the Pro Max, leveraging the anticipated shift to Quad-Level Cell (QLC) flash storage, a technology promising increased density and reduced costs.
Foldable future: a premium proposition
Looking beyond the Pro models, the introduction of a foldable iPhone – currently dubbed the ‘iPhone Fold’ or potentially the ‘iPhone Ultra’ – is slated for September. This device is expected to command a premium, potentially ranging from $2,000 to $2,400, marking it as the most expensive iPhone ever released. The crease-free display, a significant technological hurdle overcome by Apple, will undoubtedly contribute to this elevated price point.
A note on the 18 air and 18
While the attention is rightly focused on the Pro models, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air are expected to launch in the spring of 2027. But let’s be clear: the foldable remains Apple’s immediate priority, a bold move designed to redefine the smartphone landscape.