According to a reliable source, Apple may increase the prices of its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, potentially ending a lengthy period of consistent pricing for its smartphones. The tech giant from Cupertino is expected to introduce new models powered by a next-generation 2nm ‘A20’ chipset, with production costs for these advanced chips likely to impact retail prices. Furthermore, Apple is anticipated to unveil its ‘M6’ chip in 2026, also utilizing the 2nm technology for its Mac and iPad devices.
Apple Set to Utilize TSMC’s 2nm Process Technology by 2026
A post on Weibo by the user Digital Chat Station, translated from Chinese, suggests that Apple, along with Qualcomm and MediaTek, will adopt TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process technology in the upcoming years. It is projected that Apple will be among the first to receive TSMC’s new 2nm chips, likely making their debut in the iPhone 18 series, which is speculated to launch in the latter part of 2026.
The insider indicates that the production costs for these 2nm chips are poised to increase significantly, leading to a potential price hike for the iPhone 18 lineup. Additionally, devices using Snapdragon and MediaTek processors may also witness higher prices, although specific devices benefiting from the new chips have not been disclosed.
Concerning forthcoming chips, the leaker advises that smartphone enthusiasts should not anticipate the use of TSMC’s 2nm process in Apple’s A19 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, or MediaTek Dimensity 9500 models. These processors are expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s N3P node, which was utilized for the A18 Pro.
TSMC is in the process of setting up new facilities aimed at producing 2nm chips, with manufacturing slated to commence in the near future. Prior reports have suggested that Apple is likely to be the first company to receive TSMC’s 2nm chips, and that these will be costlier than those fabricated with TSMC’s latest N3P node.
If the assertions made by Digital Chat Station hold true, it would mark the first price increase for the iPhone in over five years. The base model has been available at $799 (approximately Rs. 68,200) since the launch of the iPhone 12, but rising chipset production costs could necessitate passing these expenses onto consumers.
A report from December 2024 mentioned that transitioning from TSMC’s 3nm node to 2nm would elevate the cost of a processor from $50 (around Rs. 4,300) to $85 (about Rs. 7,300)—an increase of 70 percent. At that time, it was believed that only the iPhone 18 Pro models would feature the new 2nm chips to maintain the starting price for other iPhone models.
Additionally, Apple may encounter rising costs stemming from proposed tariffs on semiconductors and components within the electronics supply chain, as indicated by US President Donald Trump earlier this week. Should Apple opt to shift part of its manufacturing operations to the United States, it could result in increased production expenses, which may, in turn, drive up prices for future iPhone models.
