The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this.

The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this.

      Due to the increasing costs of memory and storage, the price of the base model might rise by up to $200.

      Earlier today, Tim Cook participated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal and made several concerning predictions. Among these, the departing Apple CEO noted that the escalating costs of memory and storage components have compelled Apple to increase the prices of its devices. Apple has already raised the starting price of its Macs, and this will soon extend to other Mac models and the iPad. However, the most significant impact will be on iPhone pricing.

      How severe is the situation?

      Following the interview, the Journal conducted a market analysis of the current costs of essential components, including processors, memory, batteries, displays, and camera modules. The report states that the base model's price could increase by up to $200, which is just the starting point. The primary factor contributing to soaring component prices is DRAM.

      According to the outlet, the cost of a 12GB DRAM module and 256GB flash storage is projected to quadruple by the time Apple releases its next-generation iPhones in the fall. Mike Howard, director of memory markets at TechInsights, emphasized that Apple paid $39 for the iPhone 17 Pro’s 12GB DRAM kit, while the cost for the iPhone 18 will rise to $145. Similarly, the price for a 256GB storage module has surged from $13 to $51.

      What’s on the horizon?

      Cook has not specified how high the price of the iPhone 18 Pro might reach. The Wall Street Journal's most cautious estimate places the retail price at $1,299. However, considering the anticipated camera hardware upgrade, which is expected to be pricier, the final cost could reach up to $1,399. Naturally, the larger Max model will be even more expensive.

      Alleged design of iPhone 18 Pro. Macworld

      Apple is not the only smartphone manufacturer facing these challenges. On the Android side, flagship phone prices have already escalated to over $1,500 to $1,600, with further increases expected in the coming months. It seems Apple is reluctant to take immediate action to resolve the crisis.

      “Unfortunately, price increases are unavoidable. We’re doing our best to mitigate the significant increases being passed on to us, and we've tried to shield our customers from these hikes, but the situation has become unsustainable,” the departing Apple CEO conveyed to the outlet.

      Nadeem is the Managing Editor at Digital Trends.

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      Purchasing a new Apple device this fall may be pricier than anticipated.

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The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this. The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this. The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this. The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this. The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this. The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this. The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this.

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The iPhone 18 Pro might be priced at up to $1,399, and even Tim Cook can't escape the impact of this.

Tim Cook has affirmed that price increases are on the way. According to a market analysis, the retail price of the iPhone 18 Pro might rise as high as $1,300.