Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup might burn a deeper hole in your pocket—and it’s not just about new features. According to fresh reports, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Air 2 could all receive a price hike thanks to the rising costs of chip manufacturing, especially with the move to the cutting-edge 2nm fabrication process.
Hike
Apple is planning a major leap in performance and efficiency for its 2026 devices by adopting the 2nm node for its A20 and A20 Pro chipsets. But that cutting-edge tech doesn’t come cheap. The 2nm process, developed by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), uses 12-inch silicon wafers, each made of 100 ultra-thin layers, and costs around $30,000 (approx. ₹27 lakh).
In contrast, Apple paid about $20,000 (₹18 lakh) for each wafer used to produce its current 3nm-based A19 Pro chip. That’s a 50% jump in wafer costs alone, which could translate to significantly more expensive iPhones.
Cost
Here’s where things get really eye-opening. Apple reportedly paid around $150 (₹13,500) per unit for the A19 Pro chip. But with the new 2nm A20 chip, that cost may surge to $280 (₹25,200)—a massive 87% increase per chip.
For perspective, Apple reportedly paid:
| Chipset | Cost per Unit | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| A18 Pro | $50 | ₹4,500 |
| A19 Pro | $150 | ₹13,500 |
| A20 / A20 Pro | $280 | ₹25,200 |
That’s nearly 6 times more than what Apple paid for the A18 Pro chip used in the iPhone 16 series.
Models
The 2026 iPhone lineup is expected to include:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Air 2 (successor to iPhone Air)
- iPhone Fold 2
All or most of these could feature the new 2nm A20 series chipset. With such significant cost increases, Apple faces a tough decision—absorb the price difference and take a hit on profit margins, or pass on the cost to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Knowing Apple’s history, a price bump seems likely, at least for the Pro models and foldable version.
Rival
Interestingly, Samsung is also working on 2nm chips with its Exynos 2600, already revealed in December. But Samsung’s pricing strategy is quite different. Its 12-inch wafers cost just $20,000 (₹18 lakh)—the same as TSMC’s current 3nm tech.
This means Samsung is charging about 33% less than TSMC for 2nm wafer production. While TSMC may offer better yields (more usable chips per wafer), the lower pricing could give Samsung an edge—especially in cost-sensitive markets.
Options
So, what will Apple do? There are really only two scenarios:
- Absorb the cost – which eats into profit margins. Unlikely for Apple, especially for Pro models.
- Increase retail prices – most probable. Expect a price bump of at least ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 on the Pro lineup.
The iPhone Air 2, expected to be a more affordable model, could either retain its price with a toned-down chip or receive a modest price hike. Meanwhile, the iPhone Fold 2—being a premium device—was already expected to carry a premium price tag, so this update might simply reinforce that expectation.
If you’re planning to buy an iPhone in 2026, better start saving now.
FAQs
Why will iPhone 18 Pro cost more?
Due to the expensive 2nm chip fabrication process.
What chip will iPhone 18 Pro use?
It may use the new A20 or A20 Pro chip on a 2nm node.
How much does a 2nm wafer cost?
Around $30,000 or ₹27 lakh per 12-inch wafer.
Will Apple increase iPhone prices?
Likely yes, to offset the increased chip costs.
Is Samsung’s 2nm cheaper than TSMC?
Yes, by about 33% per wafer according to reports.
