iPhone 18 Pro: Prices likely to remain stable despite high costs

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Even before its official unveiling, concrete assessments of the iPhone 18 Pro are already emerging. There has been a great deal of uncertainty recently, particularly regarding pricing. Rising costs for chips, memory, and manufacturing have long led to expectations that Apple would have to offer the next Pro generation at a higher price. However, new analyst reports now paint a much more relaxed picture.

Anyone who regularly follows the tech industry knows the fundamental problem: progress is becoming more expensive. More modern manufacturing processes, increased demand due to AI, and limited production capacities are driving up costs. Apple is also affected by this. It's all the more remarkable, then, that several well-informed analysts now assume Apple doesn't intend to pass these additional costs on to customers in full. This could be reflected in stable prices for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Rising costs as a starting point

A key factor driving the anticipated cost increase is the new A20 Pro chip. This chip is to be manufactured using the state-of-the-art 2-nanometer process. Demand for this production capacity at TSMC has risen sharply, as other major companies in the tech and AI sectors are also adopting this technology. Consequently, the chip is considered significantly more expensive to manufacture than its predecessors.

At the same time, the price of memory components is rising. The ongoing AI boom is driving higher global demand for DRAM and flash memory. This development affects almost all manufacturers and puts additional strain on the cost calculations for new device generations.

Expected price increases – and why they might not happen

Many investors initially assumed that Apple would have no choice but to raise the prices of the iPhone 18 series. A price increase seemed particularly realistic for the Pro models. However, this assumption is increasingly being called into question.

The well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that Apple plans to keep the prices for its new iPhone 18 flagship models stable. According to his assessment, at least the base storage options will cost the same as in the iPhone 17 series.

Jeff Pu confirms the assessment

This view is now supported by a recent analysis from Jeff Pu. In a new note to investors, he explains that his company conducted a renewed investigation into Apple's supply chain following the company's recent earnings announcement.

The results suggest that Apple has implemented targeted cost management measures. These apparently include adjustments in purchasing, production, and internal pricing. The goal of these measures is to keep the sales prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max unchanged or at least at a similar level to those of the previous models.

Specific price forecasts for the iPhone 18 Pro

Current estimates suggest relatively clear price assumptions. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to have a starting price of around $1,099 (€1,299). The larger Pro Max model is expected to start at approximately $1,199 (€1,449). This would keep both devices priced similarly to the previous generation.

Strategic advantages for Apple

Should Apple be able to implement this pricing strategy, it would have several advantages. Firstly, the company could differentiate itself from the competition if other manufacturers are forced to adjust prices due to rising costs. Secondly, a stable price would help to mitigate potential negative reactions.

This is particularly relevant because reports indicate there won't be a base model iPhone 18 until early next year. In that case, the Pro models would be more in focus, and stable prices could significantly increase market acceptance.

iPhone 18 Pro: Positive price signals despite rising costs

Recent reports about the iPhone 18 Pro are surprisingly positive. Despite more expensive chips, rising memory prices, and high demand for state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, several independent analyses indicate that Apple intends to keep prices stable. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but the indications from the supply chain and experienced analysts speak volumes. This could be a decisive factor for the upcoming iPhone generation. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Anonymous Photographer)