Apple could raise the starting prices of its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models by as much as US$200 (about RM810), according to research firm TrendForce, as soaring memory costs put pressure on the company’s hardware expenses.
With less than a week before Apple is expected to unveil the new Pro models, TrendForce estimates the iPhone 18 Pro could start at between US$1,249 and US$1,299 (around RM5,050 to RM5,250), compared with US$1,099 (about RM4,445) for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at between US$1,349 and US$1,399 (around RM5,450 to RM5,660), up from US$1,199 (about RM4,850) for last year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max.
That would translate into a potential 10% to 20% price increase for both Pro models.
TrendForce had previously forecast in June that Apple could raise prices by between 14% and 18%, with its latest estimate widening the expected increase to between 10% and 20%.
The research firm also expects Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly dubbed the “iPhone Ultra”, to start at between US$2,099 and US$2,299 (around RM8,490 to RM9,290). Its highest storage configuration could potentially cost more than US$3,000 (around RM12,130).
Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is not expected to launch until spring 2027. TrendForce nevertheless expects it to face a similar 10% to 20% price increase.
The main factor behind the expected hikes is rising memory costs. TrendForce said the price of a 256GB memory chip has surged nearly 400% year-on-year, while its separate analysis estimated that the overall bill of materials for a 256GB Pro model has increased by around 38% over the same period.
However, Apple is expected to absorb some of the additional costs through lower profit margins instead of passing the full increase on to consumers.
Last year, Apple managed to keep the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max unchanged, while the iPhone 17 Pro received a comparatively modest US$100 (about RM405) increase in the US.
This year, however, surging demand for memory driven by the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure has pushed costs even higher, adding pressure across the electronics industry.
The actual prices will only be confirmed when Apple unveils its new models at the “Surprise and shine” event on Wednesday, September 9.
RM conversions are approximate, based on an exchange rate of US$1 = RM4.04.
