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Apple could raise the iPhone 18 Pro price when it introduces its next smartphone range, expected in September 2026. TrendForce estimates components for the 256GB model will cost Apple 38% more than those in its predecessor.
Memory prices drive most of the increase, changing the cost structure behind Apple’s premium phone. However, TrendForce expects Apple to accept lower margins and pass only part of the added expense to buyers. Apple has not announced the iPhone 18 Pro, its price, or a launch date.
TrendForce says memory represented about 10% of the parts budget for the previous iPhone Pro generation. This share reached about 34% during the third quarter of 2026. The research firm expects it to exceed 40% during the first half of 2027. Memory has therefore moved past the display and processor as the main parts expense.
The estimate covers the bill of materials, commonly called BOM, for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro. It excludes assembly, research, software development, marketing, shipping, and retail costs. Consequently, the 38% increase does not translate directly into an equal retail price rise. TrendForce nevertheless says higher retail prices are ‘unavoidable’ if current component conditions persist.
Apple could protect sales volume by accepting a smaller gross margin on each device, TrendForce says. The company used a similar approach for recent MacBook launches. The research firm also expects Apple to review prices across older iPhone models after introducing the new range. Such changes could spread the higher memory expense across several devices.
Recent reports place the possible iPhone 18 Pro starting price at $1,399. Apple has not confirmed that figure. The current 256GB iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 in the United States. A $1,399 starting point would create a $300 increase between the two generations. TrendForce’s assessment suggests Apple could choose a smaller adjustment to support demand.
Meanwhile, separate leaks describe several hardware changes for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Reported features include a smaller Dynamic Island, an A20 Pro chip, and up to 16GB of RAM. Other reports mention camera, battery, and display upgrades. Apple has not verified these details before the expected September event.
Reports also describe a book-style foldable model, often called the iPhone Ultra. The rumored device could include an outer screen and a larger folding display. Caviar has already advertised luxury concepts based on the unannounced phone. Its versions use titanium, gold, silver, carbon fiber, and leather. However, their materials do not confirm Apple’s production design.
Additionally, leaked color reports mention Dark Cherry, light blue, dark grey, and silver for the Pro series. Caviar uses similar shades in its custom concepts, though it develops its own finishes. The company says it based the designs on information from analysts and other industry sources. Apple has not confirmed the colors or the iPhone Ultra name.
Apple traditionally introduces its main iPhone range in September. It launched the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max on September 9, 2025. Sales began ten days later. Until Apple announces the 2026 models, the reported prices, specifications, colors, and foldable device could change.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Max Component Cost Could Jump Nearly $300 Over iPhone 17 Pro Max: Report
