iPhone 18 Pro Hits US$1,319 as Memory Costs Soar Before September 9 Launch

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro will cost as much as US$1,319 for the base 256GB model when it launches on September 9, marking a 20% price jump from the iPhone 17 Pro’s US$1,099 starting price. Memory component costs have nearly quadrupled year-over-year, forcing Apple to raise prices despite weak consumer spending globally. The company will also debut its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, priced between US$2,099 and US$3,000.

Why the iPhone 18 Pro costs so much more

Memory prices for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro model are estimated to be nearly 400% higher than a year ago, according to market research firm TrendForce. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to see prices rise 10 to 20 percent overall. Apple is absorbing part of these soaring component costs to maintain market share amid weak global economic conditions and cautious consumer spending.

What’s new in the iPhone 18 Pro display

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature LTPO+ display technology, a more advanced version of the current LTPO system. This enables finer control of light emission and reduces screen flickering in low-light environments. The Dynamic Island cutout will shrink by roughly 35%, expanding usable screen space without changing the overall screen size.

Apple’s foldable iPhone enters the market

Apple’s first foldable device, called the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold, will launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro on September 9. The foldable is expected to feature a dual-camera setup and a conventional capacitive fingerprint sensor. Pricing is estimated between US$2,099 and US$3,000, with premium versions potentially exceeding US$3,000.

What investors should know about Apple’s valuation

Apple stock trades at a PE ratio of 37.6x earnings, well above the historical average, according to Meyka data. The company carries a Meyka grade of B with a neutral recommendation, reflecting a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78 and strong profitability metrics. Analysts remain split, with 24 buy ratings against 7 sell ratings. The September 9 launch could test whether premium pricing sustains demand in a cost-conscious market.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro pricing reflects the real cost of advanced memory chips, not pure margin expansion. With Meyka grading the stock B and analyst consensus neutral, the launch’s success depends on whether consumers accept higher prices for incremental upgrades like the smaller Dynamic Island and new foldable option.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.