GoKawiilTrendForce: RAM Shortage Could Push iPhone 18 Prices Up 10-20%
Market research firm TrendForce forecasts that Apple's next iPhone lineup will carry significantly higher price tags, driven by a global RAM shortage that has pushed memory costs for a 256GB Pro model up nearly 400% year-over-year. The firm expects Apple to absorb some of that cost increase rather than pass it all on, but still predicts the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra could launch between $2,099 and $2,299, potentially reaching $3,000.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
A component shortage rippling through the memory chip supply chain shows how hardware pricing for even the biggest tech companies can be squeezed by industry-wide constraints outside their control. If Apple raises prices without matching performance gains, it could test consumer willingness to pay premiums for incremental upgrades rather than major redesigns.
- TrendForce predicts iPhone 18 prices could rise 10-20% due to a RAM shortage.
- Memory costs for a 256GB Pro model are expected to nearly quadruple year-over-year.
- The rumored foldable iPhone Ultra could start around $2,099-$2,299 and reach $3,000.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro — If the iPhone 18 lineup really does jump 10-20% because of the RAM shortage, buying the current iPhone 17 Pro now looks smarter than waiting. You still get Apple's latest Pro camera system and chip, plus years of iOS updates, without paying the rumored memory-driven premium.
See Apple iPhone 17 Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Dashia Milden, 2026-09-03
Published there as: “The New iPhones Could Cost 10-20% More, an Analyst Predicts. Thanks a Lot, RAMageddon”
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