The iPhone 18 might see a price hike, but not for the reasons you might expect.

      Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Amid the weekly updates on tariffs, there's an additional element that could lead to higher prices for Apple’s iPhones: the transition to TSMC’s 2nm process node. A recent leak suggests that Apple, MediaTek, and Qualcomm are progressing towards adopting the 2nm process, which may drive up the costs of some top smartphones.

      This concerning information came from the frequent leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The source indicated that Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek are projected to migrate to TSMC’s 2nm process by 2026. While this is positive news in terms of performance, it does raise concerns about pricing. TSMC’s 2nm process is expected to be more efficient and deliver enhanced performance, but it will also be more expensive than the 3nm and 5nm nodes. Consequently, the leaker is forecasting, “There may be another round of price increases for new phones.”

      Though it's rumored that Apple won't use the 2nm process for the iPhone 17, many anticipate that the iPhone 18 lineup will incorporate it. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially forecast that the more rapid and efficient 2nm node would be designated for Apple’s premium models, beginning with the iPhone 18 Pro.

      However, as reported by Wccftech, TSMC’s manufacturing yield has exceeded expectations, currently reaching around 70% as of January. This development implies that there will be an increased supply of 2nm chips available. For consumers, this generally suggests favorable news, as the entire iPhone 18 series could be enhanced by a quicker and more efficient chip, improving performance and possibly battery life.

      On the flip side, if Apple faces higher expenses for the 2nm process from TSMC, it could lead to increased prices across its entire phone range.

      Wccftech further explores the potential price trajectory for Apple products. The publication notes that Apple is unlikely to reduce its profit margins in order to maintain prices, which means that iPhones built on a 2nm process could see significant price increases in 2026. Additionally, Apple will need to navigate potential import tariffs. If reciprocal tariffs are enacted, the iPhone 16 Pro could reportedly rise in price from $999 to $1,400.

      The existing generation of iPhones might experience minimal price hikes (if any), but it appears that future generations could be more expensive. As always, it’s important to remember that nothing is certain until Apple confirms it, and with the iPhone 18 still more than a year away, current predictions are largely speculative.

      Monica is a computing writer at Digital Trends, with a focus on PC hardware. Since joining the team in 2021, Monica has written…

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