iPhone 18 Pro Material Costs Expected to Rise by 38%, Memory Share Increases to 34%

TrendForce's latest research indicates that due to rising prices of components such as memory, the material cost of the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro is expected to increase by approximately 38% year-on-year, making a retail price hike unavoidable. Apple may sacrifice some profit margins to mitigate the extent of the price increase in order to maintain shipment volumes and market share. Analysis shows that the share of memory in the BOM cost of the last two Pro models has risen from about 10% a year ago to approximately 34% by Q3 2026, and it is expected to exceed 40% in the first half of 2027. Memory has become the largest single cost item for the iPhone, replacing the traditional dominance of application processors and displays. TrendForce also noted that Android manufacturers are facing greater profit squeezes, particularly in the mid-to-low-end models, with some brands potentially forced to significantly raise prices or discontinue loss-making product lines. Since early 2025, memory prices have risen by 5 to 7 times, and it is expected that global smartphone production will continue to be under pressure from the second half of 2026 to 2027. Apple may adjust the pricing of older models in conjunction with the new product launch to partially offset the impact of rising memory costs.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.