Apple is bracing for a price increase on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, driven by a chip shortage that has tightened supply of key components. The tech giant has not announced a specific figure, but the shortage is expected to push the premium model above the usual launch price.
The chip shortage effect
The shortage affects the processors and other silicon needed for the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple relies on a complex global supply chain, and a squeeze in semiconductor production has left the company with fewer chips than planned. That means higher costs to secure the remaining supply — costs the company is likely to pass on to customers.
The price hike will apply specifically to the Pro variant, which already carries a higher price tag than the standard iPhone 18. The base model may avoid the increase, depending on chip allocation. Apple has not said whether the price bump will be a flat dollar amount or a percentage increase. The company typically sets final pricing close to launch, so buyers may not know the exact cost until pre-orders open.
The shortage comes as Apple prepares to ramp up production for a fall release. The company has not commented on whether the delay will affect availability beyond pricing. Industry patterns suggest that chip shortages can also lead to longer shipping times, but Apple has not confirmed that.
For now, the only certainty is that the iPhone 18 Pro will cost more than its predecessor. How much more remains an open question — one Apple will have to answer before the phone hits stores.
