Apple is gearing up to raise prices on its upcoming iPhone models, aligning with a trend of recent price hikes by competitors like Samsung and Google.
The decision is reportedly driven by ongoing challenges in the memory and chip supply chain, which have affected Apple’s broader product lineup, including Macs and iPads.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to see a price adjustment of around $100, bringing its starting price to $1,199.
This increase mirrors the moves by Samsung and Google, both of whom have raised their smartphone prices by a similar margin due to rising component costs.
Despite the increase, Apple is reportedly absorbing part of the cost hike to avoid a steep price jump that could deter its loyal customer base.
Apple is sticking to a modest $100 price increase to keep it competitive with Samsung without triggering the massive customer pushback that followed earlier price hikes across its Mac and iPad lines.
The move suggests Apple is absorbing part of the higher component costs instead of passing the full increase on to buyers.
Additionally, Apple’s new Upgrade subscription program may mitigate the impact of the price increase by allowing customers to spread the cost over monthly payments rather than paying the full amount upfront.
This approach could make the higher price more palatable to consumers hesitant to spend more on a new device.
As the iPhone 18 Pro’s release approaches, the tech giant faces the challenge of navigating the pricing landscape while ensuring it remains attractive to buyers.
With the memory and chip supply chain issues showing no immediate signs of resolution, Apple’s pricing strategy will be closely watched as it attempts to balance profitability with consumer accessibility.
