iPhone 18 Pro Expected to Retain 256GB Base Storage, Price Hike Likely
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to maintain a 256GB minimum storage, a capacity introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro. However, component cost increases suggest a price hike is probable.
The anticipated iPhone 18 Pro, expected to be unveiled in September 2026, will reportedly continue to offer a 256GB storage capacity as its base offering, according to a new report from Taiwanese research firm TrendForce. This marks the third consecutive generation of Pro iPhones to feature a 256GB minimum, following the iPhone 16 Pro’s 128GB base storage. The Pro Max variant is also expected to maintain this storage tier, consistent with recent product cycles.
The projected cost of manufacturing the iPhone 18 Pro series is estimated to be nearly 40% higher than that of the iPhone 17 Pro. This significant increase is attributed to rising prices for key components, including memory chips essential for addressing the ongoing global shortage. TrendForce indicated that higher costs for storage and the new A20 Pro chips are also contributing factors.
Component Costs Drive Potential Price Increases
Despite the lack of an upgrade in base storage, the report suggests that retail price increases for the iPhone 18 Pro models are becoming unavoidable. The escalating expenses for raw materials and semiconductors, particularly RAM and SSD storage chips, are placing considerable pressure on Apple's pricing strategy. This situation echoes recent price adjustments across Apple's product lines, including Macs, iPads, and other accessories, which the company attributed to market dynamics and supply chain challenges.
In June 2026, Apple implemented price hikes on various products, citing the memory chip shortage exacerbated by the rapid build-out of data centers for artificial intelligence servers. This surge in demand for AI-related hardware has created a supply-demand imbalance, driving up prices for critical components. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously described the volatility in memory pricing as a "hundred-year flood," underscoring the severity of the market conditions. If the projected cost increases materialize, the iPhone 18 Pro could see its starting price rise to as much as $1,399, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially starting at $1,499, representing an increase of $200 to $300 over their predecessors.
The internal specifications for the iPhone 17 Pro saw a doubling of base storage to 256GB, a move welcomed by users needing more space for photos, videos, and applications. The continued focus on larger storage capacities aligns with the increasing size of app data and high-resolution media consumption. However, the looming price increase for the iPhone 18 Pro may temper consumer enthusiasm, especially for those looking for more affordable entry points into Apple’s premium smartphone lineup. The Apple event where the new iPhone models are typically announced is widely expected to take place in September.