iPhone 18 prices likely to increase by less than expected, report claims

California (Web Desk): Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 series is expected to see a smaller price increase than previously anticipated, according to a new report.

Earlier in June 2026, Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that a price hike for future iPhones would be unavoidable due to a global shortage of memory (RAM) components. However, he did not specify how much prices would increase.

A new report from JPMorgan suggests that Apple may raise the price of each iPhone 18 model by just $50 compared to its predecessor. The company is also expected to offset rising production costs by relying more on its in-house C-series modem and other cost-saving measures.

If the report proves accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro will start at $1,149 instead of $1,099, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be priced from $1,249, up from $1,199.

Previous reports had suggested that Apple could increase iPhone 18 prices by as much as $200 over the iPhone 17 lineup. However, the latest estimates point to a much more modest increase.

Industry analysts say the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has significantly increased demand for memory and storage chips, driving up component costs worldwide. According to The Wall Street Journal, the memory and storage components used in the iPhone 18 Pro could cost Apple around $150 more per device than those used in the iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple is also expected to change its product launch strategy this year. Reports indicate that the company will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models alongside its first foldable iPhone in September, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are likely to be introduced in early 2027.