Due to memory price increases, iPhones may become more expensive in 2027

Apple may offer compensation of up to US$ 95 (equivalent to about R$ 491) to consumers in the United States. This offer is part of a total agreement of US$ 250 million (approximately R$ 1.29 billion) regarding the postponement of artificial intelligence features that the company had announced in 2024.

The compensation is directed at buyers of specific iPhone models acquired between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. The initial estimated value per device is US$ 25 (about R$ 129), but this amount may increase to US$ 95 if there is a low number of valid claims. The deadline to claim this compensation is December 21, 2026.

The class action lawsuit argued that customers purchased certain iPhone models expecting the artificial intelligence features to be available sooner. Due to successive delays in the launch, Apple accepted the US$ 250 million settlement to finalize the litigation, without admitting any fault.

The estimated individual payment is US$ 25 per eligible unit. It is important to note that a portion of the total settlement amount will be allocated to cover administrative expenses, taxes, and legal fees.

Consumers who meet the criteria must visit the designated website for the agreement and submit their request. This procedure requires personal information, the iPhone's serial number, and a valid payment method. Accepted payment methods include PayPal, Venmo, ACH transfer, or check. For business entities, commercial data must be provided, and a form containing the device's serial number, the associated Apple account identifier, and the device's phone number must be completed. The serial number can be found on the iPhone itself by accessing Settings > General > About.

Originally, during the WWDC 2024 conference, Apple had promised to launch Apple Intelligence that same year. However, the project was postponed to 2025 and underwent further extensions. Some functionalities were made available in the second half of 2025, but the full promise was only fulfilled with the release of iOS 27 in the second half of 2026.

The lawsuit was based on the claim that consumers made purchases relying on Apple's promise. Although the company did not admit liability, it agreed to pay US$ 250 million to end the legal process. Eligible consumers who are entitled to compensation must formalize their request within the established deadline, as participation in the agreement will no longer be possible after December 21, 2026.

The launch of the iPhone Duo, which features an unprecedented foldable screen in the Apple line, attracted attention due to its high price in the Brazilian market. The version equipped with 2 TB of storage is priced at R$ 30,999, while the entry-level configuration starts at R$ 21,999. This maximum value approaches the cost of several used vehicles available in Brazil, and these are not dilapidated cars.

Mid-aged automobiles that still have a good service life are being considered. With the same R$ 30,999 as the top-of-the-line iPhone Duo, it is possible to find models approximately ten years old, according to reference data from Fipe for September 2026.

Examples of comparable used cars

The Fiat Palio Economy 1.0 2014 is cited by Fipe at R$ 28,010, being one of the models closest to the iPhone Duo's value without exceeding the budget. This compact has a 1.0 engine and boasts wide availability of parts and services in the independent market. Although the version found in this range is more basic and over a decade old, it guarantees dual airbags and ABS brakes, required from 2014.

This Palio is presented as a sensible choice for those who need transportation and prefer to avoid constantly viewing ads on a dual screen while driving. Another direct comparison is with the Uno Vivace 1.0 2014 five-door, whose reference price is R$ 30,959, only R$ 40 below the price of the 2 TB iPhone Duo.

The Uno offers the advantage of slower depreciation compared to a cell phone, even if it is a desired iPhone. Meanwhile, the Sandero Authentique 1.0 2014 appears for R$ 30,748. This hatchback stands out for its ample interior space relative to other compacts of the time and a 320-liter trunk. In this scenario, the iPhone's R$ 30,999 would be enough to purchase the car, with R$ 251 left over for an oil change.

The Sandero is praised for its excellent interior space, capable of comfortably accommodating five adults, an advantage the iPhone Duo could not surpass. The Volkswagen Gol also features among the low-cost options and leads in used transactions. The Gol City 1.0 2012 has a reference valuation of R$ 25,135. Despite the difference of almost R$ 5,900 compared to the iPhone Duo, the buyer would have room for initial expenses, although a prior mechanical inspection is recommended for any used vehicle of this age.

With this difference, it would be possible to cover costs such as belt replacement, battery, clutch, and oil, and still have money for a new device. The Ford Ka 1.0 2013 is listed by Fipe for R$ 26,731, another compact that fits within the phone's budget. Even though it only has two doors, this second-generation model is seen as an interesting alternative because it is compact, economical, and equipped with a Zetec Rocam 1.0 engine (with timing chain), considered more reliable than its successor with a wet belt.

In some cases, reliability is more important than size. The Renault Clio Authentique 1.0 2014 has a reference value of R$ 23,751, being one of the most affordable options on the list and showing a difference of over R$ 7,000 compared to the 2 TB iPhone Duo. Its characteristics include simple mechanics and low weight, but the age requires special attention to the suspension, cooling system, clutch, and maintenance history, meaning part of the change must be allocated to repairs.

The Peugeot 207 XR 1.4 2013 is the cheapest in the selection based on the reference table, priced at R$ 23,518. In this case, the author suggests that it might be more advantageous to spend the R$ 31k on the phone than to buy this French car. The car has a 1.4 engine and a five-door body, but it is known for its delicate suspension, recurring cooling problems, electrical failures, and other defects.

Another alternative is the Palio Celebration 1.0 2014, quoted at R$ 31,966, slightly exceeding the iPhone Duo's price by less than R$ 1,000. This version uses a Fire engine and has four doors, illustrating how small configuration variations can significantly impact the price of the same model in the used market. It attracts attention by offering dual airbags and ABS brakes, in addition to potentially being found with air conditioning, power windows, and hydraulic steering.

The Gol Black 1.0 2012 has a reference value of R$ 28,079. This special version includes additional finishes and equipment compared to the most basic configurations of the compact. Even though it costs less than the iPhone Duo, it is a vehicle with about 14 years of use in 2026, implying that the remaining value must be used for maintenance, such as belt replacement, fluids, and clutch.

Finally, the Uno Vivace Celebration 1.0 2014 is quoted at R$ 30,890, with a minimal difference of only R$ 109 compared to the iPhone Duo. This model represents one of the closest scenarios for comparison, where the consumer would have to choose between a R$ 31k foldable phone and a used compact hatchback with over 12 years of use. The text concludes by reflecting on the value of money given this high price, questioning whether the consumer would sell their used car to acquire the phone.