Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro may debut at a base price of $1,319, marking a significant increase driven by a sharp rise in memory component costs. This price surge reflects the broader industry impact of a global memory shortage intensified by growing AI demand.
- iPhone 18 Pro base price may hit $1,319
- Foldable iPhone could start above $2,000
- Memory shortage driving smartphone price hikes
What happened
Apple is preparing to unveil its iPhone 18 series, with the Pro version expected to have a base price around $1,319, according to TrendForce. This represents a 10 to 20 percent price increase from the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, largely attributable to skyrocketing memory costs. The foldable iPhone variant, Apple’s first in this category, may start from $2,099 to $2,299, with premium models possibly costing over $3,000.
These price hikes come as Apple faces a challenging global component market, especially for high-density memory critical to flagship models. Initial production of the foldable iPhone is limited to a few hundred units daily due to stringent quality demands, potentially impacting early supply availability. Apple aims to balance pricing increases with absorbing some costs to remain competitive amid subdued consumer demand.
Why it matters
The memory shortage, driven by heightened demand for AI infrastructure, has squeezed supplies for consumer electronics, directly affecting smartphone manufacturing costs industry-wide. This shortage is causing record price inflation among smartphone brands globally and is exerting downward pressure on shipments — IDC projects a 16.7 percent drop in global smartphone sales this year, marking the steepest decline ever recorded.
For consumers, these rising costs translate to delayed upgrades and a surge in interest in pre-owned devices or timing purchases around promotional events. The industry’s price reset, fueled by memory costs, limits manufacturers’ ability to absorb expenses without passing them to buyers, creating a more expensive market landscape.
What to watch next
Apple’s upcoming product launch event in California is expected to officially reveal the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone. Market watchers will be keen to see final pricing, configurations, and availability details, especially for the foldable model, which represents a new product category for Apple.
Additionally, how Apple manages pricing and market share amid global economic uncertainty and ongoing supply constraints will be closely monitored. The broader smartphone industry’s response to memory shortages and consumer behavior shifts will influence pricing strategies and sales trends in the months ahead.