SerpApi.Org
The question surrounding the iPhone 18 family isn't whether prices are going up (Tim Cook already settled that) it's simply a matter of how high they'll jump.
Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone (a.k.a. the iPhone Ultra) could take the crown with a starting price of over $2,000, but, putting foldables aside, we might break another record with the upcoming Pro Max model.
A certain leaker says it could cross the $1,600 mark.
What Smart Pikachu said
A certain well-known tipster on Weibo (the biggest Chinese social media platform) by the nickname of Smart Pikachu says that the iPhone 18 Pro Max may start at 11,000 yuan in China.
Directly converted, this equates to roughly $1,625, a price people in China are used to seeing foldable phones being sold, not a candy bar handset like the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
In fact, if this leak turns out to be true, this could easily be the most expensive (non-folding) iPhone ever. For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro Max started at $1,199 in the US, so we're talking about a possible $400 hike.
Take it with a grain of salt
Taking any tipster's claims to heart is not recommendable. Yes, the RAMpocalypse is real and prices of components are through the roof, but I, personally, won't bet on a $400 hike just yet.
Why so expensive?
Apple's expected price increase appears to be driven by two main factors. The first is the cost of its next-generation A20 Pro chip, which is expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process. The second is the continued rise in memory prices, which has pushed up the overall cost of smartphone components.
The move to TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process is expected to be significantly pricier than the current 3nm technology. Industry reports suggest that a 2nm wafer could cost around $30,000, roughly 50% to 66% more than a 3nm wafer. As a result, the first wave of 2nm flagship chips is expected to cost more than 20% more to produce than their 3nm predecessors.
Apple is reportedly expected to use a large share of TSMC's initial 2nm production capacity for its A20 chips. If those higher manufacturing costs materialize, they could contribute to higher prices for the iPhone 18 lineup.
Memory is up, too
Memory prices have also risen sharply this year. According to some stats, DRAM contract prices increased by 90% to 95% in the first quarter, followed by another 58% to 63% increase in the second quarter.
At the same time, DRAM and NAND spot prices have climbed by more than 300% overall. As memory becomes pricier, it now accounts for more than 20% of a smartphone's bill of materials, up from around 10% to 15% previously.
