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This article is also available in English. It was translated with technical assistance and reviewed by the editors before publication.
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At the moment, Apple has not yet increased the prices of the iPhone – unlike the Mac, iPad and accessories. But this is unlikely to affect the new models, which are likely to be presented in September: Apple is likely planning a significant price increase here. Market research company Counterpoint has now compiled a list of components (Bill of Materials, or BoM for short) that gives an initial indication of the direction things might go. The current iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple’s top model, is being compared to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max. It will launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and an all-new foldable device (“iPhone Ultra”).
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DRAM and NAND – price drivers
According to Counterpoint BoM calculations, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost up to $300 more to build – just for the components. How much of this Apple hands over remains unclear. As expected, parts prices are rising the most for DRAM and NAND, that is, main memory and flash memory. This was calculated for the 1TB model, which currently has 12GB of RAM. Apple is rumored to keep this RAM size for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max; The 1TB is the second-largest model after the (already very expensive) 2TB version.
According to Counterpoint, prices will increase not only for DRAM and NAND, but also for the main processor built into the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The A20 Pro will be produced using a 2nm process for the first time, and innovative packaging will ensure that the price increases. Counterpoint is expecting a slight price increase for the camera, which will reportedly feature new optical features on the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max that increase the thickness of the device using new technology.
Capacity expansion will take some time
Apple has repeatedly warned that the company’s prices will rise. The reason is the ongoing inflation of DRAM and NAND modules, which, according to CEO Tim Cook, is unprecedented. Demand remains high due to the boom in artificial intelligence. Manufacturers like Micron say pricing pressure from big customers including Apple has historically left component makers without enough money to invest in new factories. However, many billions are now being invested in expanding capacity, which could take years.
Counterpoint expects Apple to increase iPhone prices by an average of $200 per unit. This will mean that the company will likely pass on some of its (high) profits to its customers. However, such BM calculations should always be treated with caution: no one knows how much Apple actually pays its suppliers. The group is known to purchase huge quantities.
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