A new estimate from Counterpoint Research suggests Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost significantly more to produce than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Across the highest storage configuration (described as 1TB), the bill of materials is projected to increase by nearly $300. Memory components are a central driver: NAND flash costs are estimated to exceed $250, and DRAM pricing is also reported to be climbing amid a broader memory chip shortage linked to increased demand from AI hardware.
The report also points to higher costs from Apple’s expected move to a 2nm chip process for at least some models, with the newer wafer pricing and early yield ramp typically adding per-unit expense. Other areas may partly offset increases. Counterpoint expects display and some miscellaneous component costs to decline versus the prior generation, while camera costs may rise slightly, potentially tied to new camera features such as a rumored variable-aperture main camera on Pro models.
The discussion comes shortly after Apple raised prices on multiple product categories, citing “supply-demand imbalance” driven by AI data center buildouts and memory shortages. Multiple outlets report that iPhone Pro-line pricing may be next, with expectations that increases could vary by storage tier rather than being uniform.
