iPhone Prices Predicted to Surge Dramatically, Potentially Reaching Rp 50 Million
Unpleasant news awaits Apple enthusiasts. According to the latest market intelligence report from TrendForce, the Cupertino-based technology giant is predicted to have to spend four times more on memory component procurement for the iPhone 18 Pro compared to previous models.
This extreme cost surge is forcing Apple to strategise. On one hand, production burdens are swelling, but on the other, the company must maintain consumer purchasing power amidst a still-sluggish macroeconomic climate.
Memory Prices Skyrocket by Up to 400%
Apple’s supply chain pressure is currently centred on memory components. For the 256GB Pro model, memory costs in the third quarter of 2026 are estimated to surge by almost 400% compared to the same period last year.
Although management teams have worked hard to negotiate prices for other supporting components, these efficiencies have not been enough to dampen the pressure on the total Bill of Materials (BOM). Consequently, adjusting retail prices in the market is considered an unavoidable option.
Previously, Apple announced significant price increases for most of its product lines last June, claiming they had exhausted all means to delay such moves. While the iPhone line remained untouched at that time, new price tags for this flagship smartphone series are predicted to be announced soon.
Price Mitigation Strategy: Relying on Services Business
Despite the sharp rise in production costs, Apple is reportedly not planning to pass the entire price difference recklessly onto consumers. The price increase for the iPhone 18 Pro series is predicted to be in the range of US$100 (approximately Rp 1.7 million) more expensive than its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro.
This calculated move is not without reason. An excessively high price surge is feared to backfire, making Apple’s loyal fan base less likely to upgrade devices. Furthermore, the global economic slowdown requires consumers to be much more cautious with their spending.
As a survival strategy, Apple is projected to become more aggressive in boosting revenue from its Services business line to plug the gap caused by declining margins in the hardware sector.
**Will the Foldable iPhone Ultra Reach Rp 48 Million?
Amidst the intense pressure on memory components, TrendForce has also leaked price projections for one of the most anticipated products: the iPhone Ultra, which is Apple’s first foldable smartphone.
This innovative device is predicted to be priced starting from US$2,299 (approximately Rp 40 million), while the highest configuration variant is rumoured to exceed the fantastic figure of US$3,000 (approximately Rp 52 million).
With this increasingly premium pricing strategy, Apple is once again risking its market loyalty amidst the wave of global component inflation.
However, it should be noted that these predictions are not certainties. It remains to be seen how Apple will strategise the pricing of its latest iPhones amidst the onslaught of the memory chip shortage crisis.