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iPhone 18 Pro Max component costs could jump by nearly $300
Counterpoint Research has released a report predicting that the component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max could rise substantially—by nearly $300. This increase is attributed to ongoing market shortages, particularly in NAND and DRAM, which are essential for the device’s performance. Despite potential reductions in the costs of other components, such as displays, the overall manufacturing expense is expected to challenge Apple's profit margins, driving the retail price upward. Apple plans to implement varied price increases across storage options to maintain profit levels.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonSupply chain risk: High
Published 9 Jul 2026, 16:31 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- iPhone 18 Pro Max component costs may jump by nearly $300.
- NAND and DRAM shortages are major cost drivers.
- The iPhone 18 could see a $200 average price increase.
- New variable-aperture camera technology may slightly raise costs.
- Apple is expected to vary retail price increases by storage variant.
Interesting facts
- The component cost for NAND and DRAM could approach the total cost of the current model.
- This marks a significant shift in Apple's pricing strategy in response to component supply chain challenges.