iPhone 17 Pro RAM Costs Jump 230% — Will the Phone Get More Expensive?

With the unprecedented rise in RAM costs for the iPhone 17 Pro, concerns are growing about the future pricing of Apple’s smartphones. The big question now is whether Apple can maintain its current price levels despite these higher component costs.

The ongoing global DRAM shortage is gradually putting pressure on Apple’s profit margins, and the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be among the first to feel the impact. A new report suggests that Apple is facing a sharp increase in DRAM costs, raising concerns about how long the company can absorb rising component prices without passing them on to consumers.

According to Korean industry sources, the cost of 12GB LPDDR5X RAM used in the iPhone 17 Pro models has jumped dramatically—rising from $25 to $29, and then surging to $70. This represents a 230% increase, a level that would put significant strain on any manufacturer.

Apple typically shields itself from such price shocks through long-term supply agreements that help keep component costs stable. However, DRAM appears to be a more challenging issue this time, potentially making it harder for Apple to fully offset the rising expenses.

Apple’s current DRAM supply contracts with SK Hynix and Samsung are reportedly set to expire in January 2026. Once these agreements end, Apple will need to renegotiate pricing, and given current market conditions, securing rates close to the previous $25 per unit seems unlikely.

Reports suggest that Apple is already preparing countermeasures to deal with the rising costs. While the company is in a relatively strong position for now, this advantage may be temporary as memory prices continue to climb.