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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Faces Significant Price Increases Due to AI-Driven Memory Chip Shortage

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro faces substantial price increases of $200 to $300, primarily driven by global memory chip shortages.

Asude Karataş • 27 Temmuz 2026 05:00 • 4 dk okuma • 19 görüntülenme

Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 18 Pro this September at significantly higher prices than previous generations, with component costs rising by as much as $300 for top-tier models. The primary driver is a global shortage of memory chips, exacerbated by artificial intelligence data centres competing aggressively for limited supply. Chief executive Tim Cook acknowledged the pressure, telling the Wall Street Journal that he had not witnessed such a squeeze on chip availability in over four decades of industry experience.

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The Memory Shortage Impact
Additional Cost Pressures and Design Changes

The Memory Shortage Impact

Two types of memory chips are driving up production costs for the iPhone 18 Pro. DRAM, which serves as the device's working memory, and NAND flash, used for storage, have both surged in price. Research firm Counterpoint estimates year-on-year price increases between 63 and 75 percent for these components. For the flagship 1TB iPhone 18 Pro Max, storage costs alone are expected to exceed $250, contributing substantially to the overall component cost increase of approximately $300.

The shortage stems not from pandemic-related supply chain disruptions but from demand-driven market dynamics. Major semiconductor manufacturers including Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix have shifted production capacity toward high-value memory buyers operating large-scale AI infrastructure. This reallocation leaves fewer chips available for mainstream consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops. As competition intensifies among manufacturers for remaining inventory, prices continue climbing.

Additional Cost Pressures and Design Changes

Beyond memory constraints, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a new, more advanced processor that carries higher manufacturing costs. This upgrade represents the second-largest factor contributing to price increases, though well behind memory expenses. Meanwhile, design refinements may include a 35 percent reduction in the Dynamic Island's size, bolder colour options such as cherry red and light blue, and potential weight increases of up to 7 grams on the larger Pro Max model due to battery improvements.

Unlike previous years when Apple released an entire generation simultaneously, the company may adopt a staggered launch strategy. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a first-ever foldable iPhone could arrive in September, with base models and the iPhone Air 2 potentially launching in spring 2027. This approach aims to sustain revenue throughout the year rather than concentrating sales in a single quarter.

Why is the iPhone 18 Pro becoming more expensive?+

Memory chip costs have risen 63-75 percent year-on-year due to artificial intelligence data centres purchasing vast quantities of DRAM and NAND flash memory. This increased demand from AI infrastructure has reduced available supply for consumer devices, pushing prices higher. A new, more advanced processor also contributes to increased manufacturing costs.

How much more will the iPhone 18 Pro cost?+

Analysts estimate price increases ranging from $200 to $300. Counterpoint Research specifically projects component costs for the 1TB iPhone 18 Pro Max will rise by approximately $300 compared to the current generation. Apple may pass on only a portion of this increase to consumers, as final retail pricing has not been confirmed.

When will the iPhone 18 Pro launch?+

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September. The base iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e may follow in spring 2027 as part of a staggered release strategy rather than a simultaneous launch of all models.

What design changes are expected for the iPhone 18 Pro?+

The rear design is expected to remain largely unchanged, but new colour options including cherry red and light blue may be introduced. The Dynamic Island could be reduced by 35 percent. The Pro Max model may be slightly thicker and heavier due to a larger battery, with increases of 0.25mm in thickness and 7 grams in weight.

Why are AI data centres affecting iPhone production costs?+

Semiconductor manufacturers have redirected production capacity toward high-value memory required by AI data centres training and operating large language models. This allocation reduces available supply for consumer electronics. With limited inventory and multiple buyers competing, prices rise significantly.

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