Apple fans could soon face a much higher price tag when the iPhone 18 Pro arrives later this year, as growing RAM and storage costs continue to put pressure on the company’s hardware business. According to new estimates, the next-generation flagship iPhone could start at $1,399 or even higher, marking one of the biggest price increases in recent years.
The Wall Street Journal recently examined expected component costs and worked with research firm TechInsights to estimate how Apple could price the iPhone 18 Pro. Based on those calculations, the device is likely to start at least at $1,299, while a $1,399 starting price appears increasingly realistic if Apple includes all of its planned hardware upgrades.
“We’re still working through that.” – Tim Cook, speaking to The Wall Street Journal about upcoming product price increases.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Could Cost More
The report points to several factors driving the expected increase. RAM and storage prices have climbed significantly, while Apple is also preparing major camera improvements that will add further costs to production. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that Apple’s next camera system could cost roughly 50% more than the one used in current models.
TechInsights estimates that Apple earned a gross margin of around 47% on the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro. To maintain a similar margin on the iPhone 18 Pro with higher component costs, Apple would need to charge roughly $1,371. Since Apple typically prefers standardized pricing, analysts believe the company would likely choose a $1,399 starting price.
If that happens, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would likely start at $1,499, maintaining the usual $100 gap between Pro and Pro Max models. Meanwhile, the rumored iPhone Ultra could approach the $2,000 mark, making Apple’s premium lineup more expensive than ever.
