The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series is getting close. We’ll also be witnessing the unveiling of Apple’s first foldable, reportedly the iPhone Ultra, on the same stage. Leaks and rumors about hardware upgrades may sound juicy, but the price hike situation is something that needs close watch. Especially after Apple’s recent price hike of MacBooks and iPads. Tim Cook has hinted that prices could jump. We’re just waiting to see by how much. Well, a new leak sort of settles the dust and suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro Max might just be the most expensive iPhone (non-foldable).
iPhone 18 Pro Max could be Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever
Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu, who has a somewhat reliable track record, claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max may start at 11,000 yuan in China. That roughly translates to $1,625. That’s a whopping ~$400 price hike over the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 in the US. Those in China are usually used to seeing foldables at this price, not regular phones like the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
If this pans out, it could be the most expensive iPhone ever. While it’s known that component prices are through the roof and RAMageddon is real, it’s a good idea to take this leak with a pinch of salt. A $400 price hike sounds quite unrealistic. But then, with Apple, anything is possible.
Price hike seems inevitable
Regardless, the price hike situation seems to be because of two major factors. First, it’s the cost of the next-generation A20 Pro chip, which will be based on TSMC’s 2nm process. Industry reports suggest that a 2nm wafer could cost around $30,000. That’s roughly 50% to 60% more than a 3nm wafer. This means the first wave of 2nm flagship chips could cost over 20% more to make than previous 3nm chips. Apple will reportedly use a large share of TSMC’s initial 2nm production capacity for its A20 chips.
The second factor is the continued rise in memory prices. DRAM and NAND prices have increased significantly, pushing up the overall cost of smartphone components. Memory now reportedly accounts for over 20% of a smartphone’s bill of materials, compared with around 10% to 15% previously. It’s not just Apple; this increase is affecting the entire industry. Several brands have already adjusted the prices of their existing phones, and future launches could get more expensive.
The post iPhone 18 Pro Max Price Leak Suggests a Big Hit to Your Wallet appeared first on Android Headlines.
​Â
