While the iPhone 17 Pro doubled base storage from the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro will keep the same 256GB minimum capacity, according to a TrendForce report. The research estimates the device’s bill of materials is nearly 40% higher than its predecessor, driven by rising RAM and storage chip costs. Retail prices are expected to increase by $200‑$300, potentially pushing the base model to $1,399 and the Pro Max to $1,499.

TrendForce noted that the Pro and Pro Max have shared the same starting storage for the past two generations, and no increase is anticipated this year. However, the firm warns that price hikes are unavoidable due to a memory chip shortage caused by AI‑driven data‑center demand. Apple previously raised prices on Macs, iPads, and other products for similar reasons.

Analysts say the cost pressures reflect a "hundred‑year flood" in memory pricing, and Apple may pass these costs to consumers when the iPhone 18 Pro launches in September.