The $1,500 flagship might be closer than you think
Base-model flagships still sit around $1,200, but rising memory costs and shrinking perks suggest that ceiling may not last much longer.
In July, a Google executive revealed that RAM prices have surged more than fourfold since 2025. The cost of a 16GB memory package has risen from $45 to $192, causing a ripple effect across the entire industry. Not only are entry-level devices feeling the impact, but flagship smartphones are also experiencing price increases. Multiple sources indicate that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max could see a price hike of around $250 to $300, potentially reaching $1,500.
Other companies like Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are also adjusting prices due to the memory shortage. As availability of memory and storage continues to shrink, brands may begin offering fewer introductory offers, with the launch price becoming the final price. Motorola's Razr Ultra 2026, priced at $1,499.99, exemplifies this trend, driven by the same memory crisis affecting flagship devices.
India's market experiences a significant premium, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max priced at $1,574, over 30% higher than in the US. As the new flagship prices approach the $1,500 mark, consumers should prepare for more expensive devices in the near future.
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