Apple adopts aggressive pricing for base iPhone 18 Pro models

4 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · May 1

Analyst Jeff Pu says starting prices could stay at $1,099 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max when they launch this fall.
Apple may instead raise prices on higher-storage versions to protect margins as AI-driven memory shortages push up component costs across the smartphone industry.
The strategy would contrast with Android makers already increasing prices, and could help Apple gain market share as some lower-cost Android phones face production pressure.

With memory costs skyrocketing, how can Apple maintain iPhone 18 Pro base prices while Android rivals are forced to hike theirs?

Will the era of affordable Android phones truly end after 2026, or will new innovations revive the budget market?