Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro production due to soft demand, Nikkei Asia reports
Apple Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders by Fifteen Percent
Apple has told some component suppliers to cut production for the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max by at least 15% for October compared to original requests, Nikkei Asia reported on Friday. Reuters could not immediately verify the report, and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. The production scaling back stems from soaring memory chip costs and price increases that have dampened consumer demand since early September.
The Tech TL;DR:
- Apple reduced October component orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by at least 15% amid soft consumer demand.
- The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the Pro Max starts at $1,299, representing a $100 price increase over the starting prices of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
AI Chip Demand Raises Apple Product Prices
To fuel artificial intelligence data centers, technology firms have been acquiring massive amounts of memory chips and advanced manufacturing capacity, triggering supply shortages and steep price hikes anticipated to contract both the smartphone and personal computer markets throughout this year. In June, Apple increased the prices of MacBooks and iPads, explaining that it could no longer protect buyers from the escalating expenses of storage and memory chips caused by the artificial intelligence sector’s data center expansion. Because iPhones and other devices now incorporate a greater number of artificial intelligence capabilities, Apple’s need for high-performance memory has grown, heightening the importance of suppliers during a worldwide shortage. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max start at $1,199 and $1,299, representing a $100 price increase compared to the previous generation.
Demand Shifts and Launch Schedule Variations
Demand for devices has been softer from late August into October, though Nikkei reported that part of this softening could relate to Apple changing its launch schedule for iPhone models. Apple last month unveiled the latest generation of its flagship smartphone, introducing the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max handsets alongside its foldable phone Duo.
Disclaimer: The technical analyses and security protocols detailed in this article are for informational purposes only. Always consult with certified IT and cybersecurity professionals before altering enterprise networks or handling sensitive data.