Apple foldable iPhone price rises
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The gist
Apple unveils iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Duo starting at $1999. Memory price surge drives 10-20% price hikes across the lineup.
Background
Apple is holding its annual iPhone event on September 9, 2026, where it is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo (also referred to as iPhone Ultra). The price increases are driven by a surge in memory chip costs, with mobile DRAM contract prices rising 70-83% quarter-on-quarter and Apple's memory costs for the iPhone spiking by 400% year-over-year. Analysts and industry trackers have been estimating the foldable's starting price between $2,000 and $2,500, with some earlier rumors suggesting even higher.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Outgoing CEO Tim Cook tells the Wall Street Journal that 'Price increases are unavoidable' for iPhones.
- Sep 3, 2026TrendForce estimates iPhone 18 Pro starting prices at $1,249-$1,299 and foldable iPhone starting at $2,099-$2,299.
- Sep 4, 2026SCMP reports TrendForce expects Apple to absorb part of soaring component prices to maintain market share.
- Sep 7, 2026Technology.org details the memory price crisis, with DRAM contract prices up 70-83% quarter-on-quarter.
- Sep 9, 2026Apple holds its 'Surprise and Shine' event, unveiling iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo starting at $1,999.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- TrendForce expects a 10-20% price increase across the lineup, calling it 'moderate' given memory costs.
- Public
- Some commentators note that the $1,999 starting price for the foldable is 'a welcome surprise' compared to rumors of $2,199-$2,499.
- Caution
- The Street's video warns that the foldable's price could be higher than expected, possibly $2,500 for the base unit, due to memory crunch.
Still unverified
Leaked Vodafone listings in Egypt and Australia suggested foldable prices 75-85% above iPhone 17 Pro, but these are unconfirmed.