Apple enthusiasts have reason to celebrate, as fresh Apple iPhone 18 price leaks reveal that the company intends to maintain starting prices similar to those ofthe Apple iPhone 17 series. Apple is actively working to avoid significant price hikes for the 2026 lineup, prioritising affordability amid growing production costs and fierce competition in the smartphone market.
With the iPhone 18 series expected in September 2026, these early iPhone 18 price leaks come at a crucial time. Buyers are increasingly price-sensitive, and Apple recognizes that stable pricing strengthens its brand and attracts more customers. By keeping entry-level costs steady, the tech giant aims to boost sales while relying on its thriving services ecosystem for long-term profits.
iPhone 18 Price Leaks: Cost Pressures Behind The Scenes
Several factors threaten to push iPhone 18 prices higher, but Apple appears determined to absorb much of the impact:
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- Advanced A20 Chip Costs: Apple’s next-generation processor, manufactured by TSMC, costs significantly more due to high demand for AI-capable chips.
- Memory Component Shortages: Industry-wide price increases of 10-25% in 2026 force Apple into quarterly negotiations with suppliers.
- Supply Chain Competition: Limited production capacity from key partners drives up expenses as rivals vie for the same resources.
Despite these challenges, Kuo notes that Apple negotiates aggressively and accepts shorter-term margin hits to protect consumers from steep increases.
Apple’s Strategy for Affordable Pricing
Apple adopts a smart approach to counter rising costs and keep the iPhone 18 competitive:
- Maintains base model pricing near current levels, around $799 in the US and Rs 82,999 in India, for the standard iPhone 18.
- Potentially raises prices only on higher storage variants, targeting buyers less sensitive to premiums.
- Leans on booming services revenue (subscriptions, App Store, etc.) to offset hardware margin pressure.
- Uses stable pricing as a marketing advantage to win over budget-conscious shoppers.
While final decisions depend on global demand, currency fluctuations, and supply conditions, these iPhone 18 price leaks paint an optimistic picture. Apple has successfully held prices steady in recent years, even while upgrading features and storage. If the company follows this pattern, the iPhone 18 series should remain accessible to a wide audience without shocking sticker prices.
As more details emerge closer to launch, these leaks offer welcome reassurance that Apple prioritizes customer loyalty over immediate profit gains on hardware.
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