iPhone 18 tipped to get a 'different pricing policy' — here's what you need to know

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HIgh-capacity versions could cost more

iPhone 18 Pro concept design from Aptenod on YouTube
(Image credit: Aptenod / YouTube)

Tom's Guide TL;DR

  • The iPhone 18 series is tipped to get a price increase for high-capacity versions of the new iPhones
  • The base models should see their prices remain the same
  • This could be a compromise for Apple in terms of it handles the RAM shortage

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.

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

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Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

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.

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