Apple's rumored iPhone 18 price increase may only apply to certain models: here's why
Keeping the basic options as cheap as possible
A price increase seems inevitable for the iPhone 18 series, but a new rumor suggests that Apple is considering a unique workaround to reduce the impact.
This is based on claims from Korean tipster yeux1122, who claims to be citing reports from analysts at Citigroup, Bank of America, and J.P. Morgan. And we'll start with the bad news from their summary first.
We're told by this leak that, as a result of the "RAMageddon" price increases to memory modules (thanks, AI data centers), the iPhone 18 series will cost more than the iPhone 17 series. That's despite Apple's ability to secure the most favorable deals with suppliers compared to other tech companies.
But the leak goes on to say that the iPhone price increase will not apply to every version. Apparently, only the models with extra storage will cost more, suggesting that the basic 256GB versions of the iPhone 18 models would be no more expensive than an equivalent iPhone 17, but high-capacity versions with 512GB, 1TB or higher storage will be.
If this is true, what should iPhone buyers do?
If it were feeling generous, Apple could elect to take the hit to its profits on all versions of the iPhone 18, rather than just the cheapest versions. But as a compromise, offering the most popular models at an unchanged price is perhaps the best we can hope for.
Even with this rumored act of benevolence by Apple, it probably won't be enough to win back users who have already accepted that this year isn't a time to upgrade their phone, even for what's arguably the world's most desirable phone.
For smartphone buyers who are still looking at making a purchase this year, it seems that the smartest pick of the new iPhones could be the 256GB edition of whichever model you prefer, even if you've been an extra storage fan in the past. It might be worth investigating cloud storage or a small external SSD if you're the kind of person who quickly fills up a phone with photos or files.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
You've got time to figure this out though. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are anticipated to arrive this September as usual, along with the all-new iPhone Fold. The basic iPhone 18 will come later according to the rumors, with an early 2027 launch, along with the iPhone Air 2, tipped as part of a new split iPhone launch strategy
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
- iOS 26 Preview: 7 features to explore in your iPhone’s newest app
- iPhone Fold specs just tipped — display sizes, cameras, Touch ID and more
- I hated the Mac mini M4’s power button — until I accidentally proved Apple was right

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
