Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) will reveal its iPhone 18 lineup on September 9. Analysts expect significant price increases due to rising memory costs. The iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,319, a rise of 10 to 20 percent from the iPhone 17 Pro, which began at $1,099. Market research firm TrendForce reports that memory costs for the 256-gigabyte iPhone 18 Pro model have jumped nearly 400 percent year-over-year.
Key Details
Citi sees the iPhone 18 as a major driver for component suppliers. They predict a potential rally in the supply chain before the launch. The new lineup will include Apple's first foldable device, likely called the iPhone Ultra. This device may retail between $2,099 and $2,299. It is expected to have dual front and rear cameras, an ultra-thin foldable display, and advanced hardware upgrades like A20 chips and a variable-aperture main camera for Pro models. Citi also mentioned that suppliers might face tight initial component supply, especially for batteries and structural parts.
Background
Apple plans to absorb some of the rising component costs to keep its market share in a tough economic climate. The company aims to balance price increases with consumer demand as spending trends remain cautious. Initial sales and shipping schedules will be key to understanding the supply chain's response after the launch. Key suppliers identified by Citi include Lens Tech, TSMC, and Luxshare, among others.
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Rising component costs are likely to influence the pricing of Apple's new devices. This could affect consumer electronics stocks and supply chain-related equities. Investors will closely watch the initial sales figures after the launch to assess market response. The product launch event on September 9 will provide more details on pricing and features.
Based on reporting by: proactiveinvestors.co.uk, scmp.com