iPhone 18 Pro Series Could Cost Around $1,799 in Canada

This week, Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that iPhone prices would increase this year due to rising costs of memory chips and components.  The Wall Street Journal then conducted its own analysis, estimating the iPhone 18 series could cost around $1,299 USD (roughly $1,799 CAD).

In the latest from The Wall Street Journal, research firm TechInsights reports that DRAM and flash storage prices are projected to be 4x higher this fall than last year. In some reports, TechInsights states that Apple paid around $39 per 12GB of DRAM for the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s expected that the iPhone 18 Pro could cost upwards of $145. Similarly, iPhone 17 Pro’s 256GB flash storage is said to have cost Apple $13, but could rise to $51 for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Taking everything into account, the estimated component and manufacturing costs for the iPhone 17 Pro series are around $530 USD (around $750 CAD). Keeping DRAM and flash storage costs in mind, the cost to make an iPhone 17 Pro would be around $582 USD (est. $823 CAD). When looking at inflated component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro models, TechInsights claims costs could rise by 25 percent to around $726 USD (roughly $1027 CAD).

In the US, the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro has a gross margin of roughly 47 percent, according to TechInsights. To achieve this with the iPhone 18 Pro, the cost would need to be $1,371 USD (around $1,940 CAD). However, The Wall Street Journal argues that a more typical pricing convention, landing at $1,299 USD (roughly $1,799 CAD), is more likely. If accurate, Apple would take a bit of a hit, as these prices reflect a 44 percent margin rather than 47 percent.

Now, none of these estimates takes into account the new camera system, battery improvements, etc. Early this year, it was reported that iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a new variable aperture system, allowing users to better control light intake. The devices may also be powered by the improved A20 Pro chipset, improving battery efficiency. The Wall Street Journal’s pricing estimate puts the price at $1,399 USD (roughly $1,999 CAD).

Currently, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,599 in Canada, so we could see a $200 to $400 increase depending on how pricing is handled. We’ll certainly know more in September when Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside the very first foldable iPhone.