Apple's next-generation iPhones, expected to be called the iPhone 18 series, are already the subject of intense speculation. A new report indicates a potential downside to the anticipated technological leap: a significantly higher price tag for the Pro models. The primary driver behind this expected increase is the soaring cost of manufacturing Apple's next-generation chips.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Could Be More Expensive
According to a report from the Taiwanese publication Money.udn, Apple is planning to use TSMC's cutting-edge 2-nanometer (2nm) manufacturing process for its upcoming A20 and A20 Pro chipsets. TSMC, Apple's longstanding semiconductor partner, is the global leader in contract chipmaking. While this shift promises major gains in performance and battery efficiency compared to the current 3nm technology, it comes with a hefty financial burden.
The report states that the cost of a 12-inch silicon wafer produced using the 2nm process has surged to approximately $30,000. This marks a sharp rise from the roughly $20,000 cost associated with 3nm wafers. This substantial increase in foundational production costs is directly impacting the price of the final chip.
A20 Chip Cost Sees Dramatic Jump
As a direct consequence of the advanced manufacturing process, the estimated per-unit cost of Apple's A20 or A20 Pro chip is projected to climb to nearly $280 for the iPhone 18 lineup. If accurate, this would represent an astonishing increase of about 87 per cent compared to the cost of the A19 Pro chip and a dramatic leap from the expenses of earlier generations.
The powerful A20 Pro chip is tipped to power the flagship iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone, all of which are speculated to launch together. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and a potential iPhone 18e model are said to utilise a slightly less advanced version of the A20 chip.
What New Features to Expect in iPhone 18 Pro
Beyond the new processor, the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to introduce a notable redesign for the front display. Multiple reports suggest Apple might finally retire the Dynamic Island, opting instead for a single punch-hole camera. This change would be enabled by moving the Face ID sensors completely under the display.
Other leaks point towards aesthetic refinements, including a shift to a refined single-tone colour finish, moving away from the dual-tone look seen on recent Pro iPhones. The camera system is also in line for an upgrade, potentially gaining a variable aperture main lens. This feature would offer photography enthusiasts greater creative control over depth of field, allowing for more professional-looking portraits and shots with artistic blur.
While these potential upgrades are exciting for tech enthusiasts, the report on manufacturing costs suggests that experiencing this next leap in Apple's smartphone technology might require a deeper investment from consumers when the iPhone 18 series launches.
