Apple’s upcoming 20th anniversary iPhone might mark a major leap in innovation. However, it may also come with a significant price tag. According to a recent report, Apple plans to introduce an extraordinarily complex design with the iPhone 18 Pro.
This complexity stems from new production techniques and materials. These methods can currently only be handled in Apple’s experienced Chinese factories. Although Apple is working to shift production to India, the iPhone 18 appears to be an exception.
The current U.S. import tariff on Chinese goods is 145%. Because of that, prices could surge dramatically for American consumers. Experts believe an iPhone 18 Pro Max with 1TB of storage may exceed $2,000. If Apple made the same device in the U.S., it could cost over $3,000.
Apple’s iPhones contain around 2,700 parts. Over 700 suppliers provide these parts, and most are located in China. Only about 30 of those suppliers operate entirely outside of China. That proximity and supply chain efficiency are hard to replicate elsewhere.
In the past, Apple’s iPhone X also marked a turning point in design. It introduced FaceID, an edge-to-edge screen, wireless charging, and a Super Retina display. All those features eventually became standard.
So, the extraordinarily complex design of the iPhone 18 Pro could shape the next era of smartphones. But it comes with challenges. High tariffs and production limits may delay its manufacturing shift. And even if Apple moves production to India, there are still 26% tariffs on Indian-made goods.
Prices may rise across all iPhone models. Apple’s shift will not be easy. Its entire success depends on fast collaboration between experienced suppliers. For now, Apple’s most advanced models, like the iPhone 18 Pro, will stay in China.
If you plan to buy the next iPhone, start saving early. This extraordinarily complex design might just bring the most expensive iPhone yet.
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