Apple(US:AAPL) Jing Ji Ri Bao·2025-12-24 23:49Core Viewpoint - Apple may face significant cost pressures due to rising memory prices as long-term contracts with suppliers are set to expire in January 2026, potentially leading to price increases for the iPhone 18 series [1][2] Group 1: Impact on Pricing and Sales - The anticipated rise in memory prices could force Apple to increase the prices of the iPhone 18 series, marking a departure from its recent strategy of maintaining prices despite enhanced specifications [1] - Analysts predict that if Apple raises the iPhone 18 series prices, the increase could be at least 5%, with entry-level models potentially starting above $800 and the Pro Max models beginning at $1,250 [1] - The increase in memory prices is not only affecting smartphones but also impacting laptops, gaming consoles, and networking products, indicating a broader "tech inflation" trend [1] Group 2: Supply Chain Dynamics - Apple has previously secured favorable long-term contracts with memory suppliers like Samsung and SK Hynix, which currently provide a significant portion of its memory needs, but these contracts are set to expire soon [2] - The price of LPDDR5X memory used in iPhone 17 Pro models has surged from $25-$29 to $70, reflecting a 1.8 times increase, which could affect future pricing strategies [2] - Apple is reportedly struggling to find suitable alternative suppliers for memory components, with Samsung currently supplying 60-70% of the required memory for the iPhone 18 series [2] Group 3: Market Sentiment and Brand Strength - Some industry experts believe that Apple's strong brand influence may allow it to maintain sales even with higher prices, as loyal customers may still be willing to purchase the new models [3] - The continuation of memory shortages and price increases leading up to the iPhone 18's release remains uncertain, but if the new models are well-received, there could be a positive outlook for the overall smartphone market [3]