According to an analytical report by TrendForce, cited by RBC-Ukraine, the new iPhone 18 Pro models may see a noticeable price increase amid a sharp rise in memory component costs. The base configuration with 256 GB of storage is forecast to cost buyers between $1,209 and $1,319, which is 10–20% higher than the price of its predecessor.
Why costs are rising
The key driver of the price hike is the memory market: since the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple's spending on memory chip procurement has grown by 400%, according to analyst estimates. The company's attempts to negotiate lower prices on other components failed to offset this increase, making it virtually impossible to shift the entire additional burden onto its partners.
What the iPhone 18 Pro will offer
Despite the higher price, the flagships are expected to deliver a range of hardware improvements. The device is set to be built around the new Apple A20 Pro chipset with an upgraded cooling system. The camera module will feature a 48-megapixel main sensor with a variable aperture, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide module, and a 24-megapixel front camera. The phone is also expected to come with 12 GB of RAM, flash storage options ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB, an LTPO display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a larger battery for improved battery life.
Foldable iPhone Ultra: a $3,000 flagship
Analysts paid particular attention to a brand-new model — the foldable iPhone Ultra. The base price of this device is forecast to range from $2,099 to $2,299, while the most expensive configuration with 2 TB of storage could cross the $3,000 mark. Meanwhile, according to sources, the foldable model will not feature a separate 48-megapixel telephoto lens.
Impact on Apple's margins
Analysts emphasize that even with higher retail prices, the tech giant will have to accept a lower profit margin and absorb part of the additional costs to maintain consumer demand. Thus, the rise in memory prices is becoming one of the main factors pressuring the economics of Apple's upcoming flagships.
