Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that rising memory costs could push up prices on upcoming devices. A Wall Street Journal report, backed by TechInsights, broke down component expenses for the slated iPhone 18 Pro. The base model will ship with 12 GB of DRAM and 256 GB of flash storage, both of which have become significantly pricier. This pressure arrives as the smartphone market rebounds from pandemic slowdowns.

TechInsights estimates the DRAM alone now costs Apple about $145, up from $39 for the iPhone 17 Pro. Flash memory rose from $13 to roughly $51 per unit. Adding these to other components lifts the iPhone 18 Pro’s bill of materials to $726, compared with $582 for its predecessor. Those higher costs also squeeze supplier margins. Maintaining last year’s 47% margin would require a retail price near $1,371.

If Apple trims the price to a more market‑friendly figure, the company could list the phone at $1,299, preserving a 44% gross profit. Rumors of a variable‑aperture camera that may cost 50% more could push the final sticker price toward $1,399. It may alter upgrade cycles.