In a recent analysis, the anticipated cost of materials for the iPhone 18 Pro has seen a substantial increase, indicating that consumers may soon face higher prices for Apple's latest flagship smartphone. This surge is attributed to ongoing supply chain issues and innovative technology upgrades.
According to a TrendForce report, the bill of materials (BOM) for the iPhone 18 Pro is projected to rise by as much as 38% compared to the previous model, particularly for the 256GB storage variant. The report highlights that due to these rising costs, increased retail prices for the iPhone 18 Pro are now deemed "unavoidable." Initial estimates suggest the base model may start at a staggering $1,399.
Notably, the memory components, which include RAM and storage, are expected to account for approximately 34% of the total BOM. This figure is predicted to escalate to around 42% by the first half of 2027, showcasing a significant leap from just 10% for the iPhone 17 Pro's BOM costs last year.
While the rising costs are concerning, TrendForce offers a glimmer of hope by indicating that Apple might mitigate some of these expenses by lowering profit margins to maintain customer loyalty and market competitiveness.
