Apple has secured lower prices for OLED displays for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, according to industry sources cited by South Korea. Offers site.
For example, the report says Apple will pay LG and Samsung about $68 per OLED display for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, a significant drop from the $110 to $120 it paid those suppliers for each iPhone 17 Pro Max display.
Apple has reportedly made aggressive efforts to lower display prices due to the current shortage of memory chips, resulting from companies building powerful AI data centers. The imbalance between supply and demand has caused the prices of RAM chips used in devices like the iPhone to skyrocket, leading to higher production costs for Apple.
South Korea The Elect first reported on these negotiations last month.
By achieving lower costs for some non-memory iPhone components, such as displays, Apple can partially offset rising RAM costs. Still, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro models, with market research firms estimating that starting prices in the US could increase by $200 to $300. If so, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at $1,399 and $1,499, respectively.
Apple already raised prices on Macs, iPads and some other products in June, but the iPhone was spared. If Apple can get lower prices for displays and some other components, then perhaps the expected price increases for the iPhone 18 Pro models will be closer to the $200 mark or less rather than $300, but only time will tell.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models and a foldable iPhone in September, so we’re only a month away from official pricing information.
