A global memory chip shortage means this year’s iPhone 18 Pro price hike could be the steepest Apple has ever pushed onto Pro buyers. What’s driving the coming iPhone price hikesThe root cause here isn’t Apple — it’s AI. Multiple analysts predict that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will cost significantly more than their predecessors. See also: Apple faces iPhone 18 Pro DRAM shortage weeks before launchWeighing the iPhone 17 Pro Max against the iPhone 18 Pro MaxIf you already own the iPhone 17 Pro Max, or you’re considering buying one, this year’s calculus is unusually simple. Ask yourself if the iPhone 18 Pro is worth several hundred extra dollars over the iPhone 17 Pro Max today.