The iPhone 18 Pro may have a production cost 38% higher for Apple. This cost increase could result in a higher final price for the device; speculation points to $1,399, which is equivalent to about R$ 7,145 at the current exchange rate. However, it seems the company will choose to absorb this additional cost, reducing its profit margin, instead of passing the full increase on to the consumer.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro may also see a price adjustment starting this week, although there is no official confirmation yet. The main reason cited by specialized press is the crisis in RAM availability, but other stages of the production process would also be impacted.
According to the portal 9to5Mac, Apple will likely adopt a tactic similar to the one used in the MacBook line, implementing a partial increase in the final value of the products. Despite this, research conducted by the site TrendForce indicates that manufacturing costs could grow even more in 2027, exceeding the projected 38%, making it harder to maintain competitive prices.
Apple stands out as one of the few companies in the technology sector that has not experienced significant price changes recently. Even after CEO Tim Cook declared that adjustments were 'unavoidable,' the phone line remains unchanged. So far, movements have been noted in computer models, such as Mac Mini and Mac Studio, but some analysts have already predicted increases starting with the next generation of iPhones.
The report released by TrendForce reinforces this prediction due to the increase in production costs. According to the publication, RAM is the main cause, representing 34% of the total assembly cost. If the shortage persists at the same rate, chips could account for over 40% of the cell phone's total manufacturing value.
In this scenario, costs could exceed the 38% increase predicted for the initial period, as early as the first fiscal quarter of 2027. It is important to note that, as previously reported, Apple is expected to launch a second product window between March and June of next year with the standard iPhone 18.
To compensate for this substantial increase without drastically raising the price of the premium model, Apple could dilute this cost across other generations. The iPhone 17 Pro, for example, would be one of the first to feel this adjustment, expected this second week of August. However, as of the closing of this article, the suggested price on the Apple website remained unchanged.
A warning issued by TrendForce points to an even more challenging situation for Android devices in the coming months. Higher prices will be more noticeable in entry-level or mid-range devices, categories where manufacturers' profit margins are smaller.
The RAM shortage constitutes a generalized problem in the technology market. The redirection of memory manufacturers towards components intended for artificial intelligence servers has reduced the supply of chips for hardware products. This has impacted various segments, from computing to video games, resulting in delays and increased costs in the development of the future PlayStation 6, for example.
The iPhone 17e model with 256 GB capacity is available on Mercado Livre for R$ 3,909 when paying via Pix, using the coupon AMODESCONTO. This Apple device, equipped with the A19 chip, a 48 MP camera, and an OLED screen with up to 1,200 nits brightness, offers a significant 33% discount compared to its original price of R$ 5,799.
Despite being presented as a more affordable option, the iPhone 17e maintains a high level of performance, featuring the A19 chip, identical to the one found in the iPhone 17. With 8 GB of RAM, the device ensures high performance in demanding applications as well as multitasking tasks. The 256 GB of storage is sufficient to store photos and videos.
The display panel, called Super Retina XDR OLED, is 6.1 inches and features a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits, allowing for excellent color reproduction and maintaining visibility in various environments. Furthermore, it is protected by Ceramic Shield 2 glass against impacts and scratches.
In terms of photography, the back of the phone has a single 48 MP wide camera, which includes OIS and optical zoom functionality up to 2x, using algorithms to magnify images. The front camera, with 12 MP, captures good selfies, and both cameras record in 4K at 60 frames per second.
The body of the iPhone 17e is constructed from aluminum and has a glass finish on the back. It also has an IP68 certification, giving it resistance against dust and accidental submersion. The 4,005 mAh battery supports MagSafe, a feature absent in its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, and, according to Apple, lasts up to a full day of use.
Fast charging is another highlight, enabling it to reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes, which is advantageous for users with busy routines. The 256 GB iPhone 17e, with the promotional price of R$ 3,909 via Pix using the coupon AMODESCONTO, runs on iOS 16 and is expected to receive at least five operating system updates. The device is compatible with 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and supports eSIM.
