Apple may have a plan to 'ensure' you do not pay more for iPhone 18 series Apple is reportedly working on a strategy to avoid raising prices for the upcoming iPhone 18 series, even as global component costs rise. The tech giant is leveraging its financial strength to absorb higher manufacturing expenses rather than passing them on to consumers. This approach aims to maintain price stability in a market marked by supply chain volatility and competitive pricing shifts. Analysts suggest this move could help Apple secure market share by keeping its devices affordable amid rising costs for memory and other critical components. The strategy is tied to Apple’s efforts to manage supply chain pressures, particularly in mobile DRAM and NAND flash memory. A report from Wccftech, citing South Korean sources, indicates Apple is purchasing a significant portion of available mobile DRAM at elevated prices. This decision is intended to secure supply while limiting access for competitors, allowing Apple to control availability and pricing dynamics. The move reflects a broader industry trend of companies prioritizing supply chain stability over immediate cost-cutting, especially as memory prices continue to fluctuate. Analysts have weighed in on Apple’s approach. Ming-Chi Kuo, a TF Securities analyst, noted that Apple may absorb higher memory costs to avoid raising device prices. This strategy, he argued, would position Apple to capture market share despite ongoing disruptions in the memory market. Kuo highlighted that Apple’s ability to negotiate memory prices quarterly—rather than every six months—could lead to further cost increases in the second quarter of 2026. He also emphasized Apple’s leverage in securing chip deals, which allows it to mitigate supply shortages and maintain pricing control.#apple #tim_cook #ming_chi_kuo #wccftech #iphone_18_series
No Big Redesign for iPhone 18, and Apple Doesn’t Seem to Care Apple is poised to continue its current trajectory with the iPhone 18 series, with early indications suggesting the company will prioritize incremental improvements over a major design overhaul. This approach reflects confidence in its existing product strategy and market position, as well as a shift in focus toward internal upgrades rather than external changes. Analysts and insiders note that Apple’s decision to avoid a radical redesign aligns with broader industry challenges, particularly the struggles faced by Android manufacturers grappling with rising component costs and tighter profit margins. The iPhone 18 lineup is expected to retain a design closely resembling the iPhone 17, with only minor adjustments to size and thickness. These subtle changes are seen as a deliberate choice to maintain user familiarity while addressing practical needs such as battery life. According to Weibo tipster Fixed-focus Digital, the iPhone 18 models will feature a slightly increased thickness to accommodate a larger battery, a move that directly targets extended usage times without requiring visible aesthetic updates. This strategy underscores Apple’s emphasis on functional enhancements over cosmetic changes, which it views as less impactful for long-term user satisfaction. The battery capacity upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro Max models are particularly notable. Reports suggest the non-eSIM version will boast a battery capacity of 5,000mAh or more, while the eSIM variant could reach 5,200mAh or higher. These figures represent a significant increase compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 4,823mAh (non-eSIM) and 5,088mAh (eSIM) capacities.#apple #iphone_18 #c2_modem #a20_chip #ming_chi_kuo
