Quick Read
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to see significant price increases in 2026.
- Price hikes are driven by a ~$280 cost for the new 2nm A20 chip, nearly double the previous generation.
- An industry-wide memory shortage, dubbed ‘RAMageddon,’ is also pushing up component costs.
- The Dynamic Island on Pro models is slated for its first major redesign since its 2022 introduction.
- Apple is rumored to be planning a staggered release: Pro/Pro Max/Fold in Fall 2026, base models in Spring 2027.
WORLD (Azat TV) – Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are set to introduce substantial price increases and the most significant display design change in years, driven by escalating manufacturing costs for advanced 2nm chips and an industry-wide memory shortage. New analyst reports from early 2026, referenced by major financial institutions, indicate these premium devices will absorb the brunt of rising component expenses, while a new leak suggests a long-awaited redesign of the Dynamic Island feature.
The Rising Cost of Premium Innovation
Market analysis, referenced by Citi Group, Bank of America, and JPMorgan, points to three primary structural forces influencing iPhone 18 pricing: a 2nm silicon cost crisis, an industry-wide memory shock dubbed “RAMageddon,” and a rumored two-stage release strategy. These factors are expected to push starting prices for the Pro, Pro Max, and the rumored Fold models significantly higher.
The most immediate pricing shock stems from the A20 chip, which is expected to power the iPhone 18 Pro-class models. Built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm (N2) process, new supply-chain reports suggest this transition is proving far more expensive than previous node shrinks. Industry estimates for early 2026 indicate the A20 (2nm) chip could cost approximately $280 per unit, nearly double the estimated $150 cost of the A19 Pro (3nm) chip. This substantial increase in System-on-Chip (SoC) cost, even before accounting for yields or packaging, is being termed a ‘full-blown SoC cost crisis’ by analysts.
Compounding the silicon challenge is a global memory shortage, now widely referred to as “RAMageddon.” In 2026, AI data centers are aggressively consuming global DRAM and NAND supply, leading to sustained memory price inflation for smartphone manufacturers. With Apple Intelligence demanding larger on-device AI models, higher RAM capacities, and increased local storage, memory has become a critical cost driver, particularly for the Pro models.
According to analyst expectations, starting prices could reach $1,099 to $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 or more for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The highly anticipated iPhone 18 Fold, Apple’s first foldable device, is predicted by JPMorgan analysts to start at $1,999 to $2,399, serving as a strategic price anchor for the entire premium lineup.
A Major Display Overhaul for Pro Models
Beyond pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also poised for a significant aesthetic shift. A new report claims that the display will undergo its biggest design change in years, specifically targeting the Dynamic Island. First introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in September 2022, the lozenge-shaped cutout near the top of the display replaced the larger notch found on earlier Face ID iPhones. While its functionality has evolved, its physical design has remained largely unchanged since its debut.
The upcoming fall 2026 release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is expected to feature a redesigned Dynamic Island. While earlier rumors of a camera shift to the left were reportedly a mistranslation, the impending change is anticipated to be noticeable enough to distinguish the new Pro models immediately. This significant design update is not expected to extend to the base iPhone 18 model, which traditionally receives Pro-tier features a year later, nor potentially the iPhone Air 2, which is rumored for a 2027 launch.
Apple’s Strategic Release and Pricing Levers
Apple’s rumored two-phase release timeline for the iPhone 18 lineup also plays a crucial role in its pricing strategy. Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Fold models will launch in Fall 2026 (September), while the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could be delayed until Spring 2027. This staggered approach allows Apple to manage component costs effectively, enabling the base models to utilize more mature and cheaper parts by avoiding peak-cycle price spikes, thus keeping their headline “starting price” relatively stable at an estimated $799 to $829.
The introduction of a foldable iPhone at a premium price point, potentially starting around $1,999, also serves as a strategic lever. Analysts suggest that by positioning the Fold at such a high price, Apple can raise the pricing for the Pro Max, possibly approaching $1,399–$1,499, making the Fold appear less extreme in comparison. This strategy would effectively elevate the average selling prices across Apple’s premium tier.
The confluence of advanced chip manufacturing costs, memory market volatility, and Apple’s deliberate product segmentation and release strategy indicates a clear intent to reinforce the premium positioning of its Pro and Foldable offerings, while carefully managing the accessibility of its base models.