A tough blow may be coming for Apple fans’ wallets. According to multiple aligned sources within the supply chain, future iPhones, including the iPhone 18 series expected this fall, are set to face a significant price increase. The main driver behind this unprecedented inflation is none other than Samsung.
The RAM shock: plus 80 percent at Samsung, plus 100 percent at SK Hynix
The tech industry is being shaken by a component crisis of historic proportions, fueled by the relentless memory demands of artificial intelligence systems. Prices for LPDDR RAM, a critical component in modern smartphones, are surging. Internal reports indicate that Samsung has raised its prices by 80 percent, while fellow South Korean supplier SK Hynix, another major partner of Apple, has reportedly increased its prices by as much as 100 percent compared with the previous quarter.
Apple with little room to maneuver
Why can Apple not negotiate its way out of this situation? Because the long-term contracts that traditionally bound these industry giants, often with frozen pricing, have reportedly collapsed. According to our information, only agreements covering the first half of 2026 were signed, leaving Apple without leverage during the critical production window for the iPhone 18 lineup.
The math is unforgiving. Apple’s iPhone margins, already under pressure, will be further eroded by rising hardware costs. In a mature market where even small price hikes can deter buyers, the Cupertino company will likely have no choice but to pass part of this increase on to consumers. A precedent already exists, as Samsung’s entry-level smartphones have seen price increases of around 50 euros.
A conflicted role for Samsung
The irony is that Samsung, which manufactures its own memory chips, is also facing sharply rising internal costs. The Korean giant plays a dual role as both Apple’s main smartphone rival and its primary RAM supplier. It is affected by the crisis while simultaneously being one of its key players.
What to expect this fall
This situation all but seals the fate of the upcoming iPhone 18 models. After years of relatively stable pricing, consumers should brace for higher price tags. The remaining question is how Apple will distribute the increase. Will it apply across the entire lineup, focus on Pro models, or quietly absorb part of the hit through lower margins?
One thing is certain. The era of generative AI, which promised smarter smartphones, is also making them more expensive. Apple’s next keynote is shaping up to be a crucial moment.
