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Apple Downgraded to 'Hold' Amid Rising Smartphone Costs
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Apple Downgraded to 'Hold' Amid Rising Smartphone Costs

WireByte Staff · August 1, 2026

Analyst Jeff Pu downgraded Apple to 'Hold' due to expected price hikes for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, citing rising costs for silicon wafers and memory chips. This trend is affecting the global smartphone market, with manufacturers absorbing higher costs through higher retail pricing and subscription services.

Key points

  • Apple has been downgraded to 'Hold' by GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu due to expected price hikes for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
  • The price increase is estimated to be $200 to $300 more than the current iPhone 17 lineup.
  • Rising costs for silicon wafers and memory chips are driving the price hike, affecting the global smartphone market.
  • Manufacturers are absorbing higher costs through higher retail pricing and subscription services.
  • Other smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, and Vivo, have also announced price rises in recent months.

The global smartphone market is experiencing a significant price hike due to rising costs for silicon wafers and memory chips. Analyst Jeff Pu has downgraded Apple to 'Hold' due to expected price hikes for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, citing these rising costs.

The estimated price increase for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is $200 to $300 more than the current iPhone 17 lineup. This trend is affecting the global smartphone market, with manufacturers absorbing higher costs through higher retail pricing and subscription services.

Other smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, and Vivo, have also announced price rises in recent months. Qualcomm CEO Christiano Amon has discussed the impact this is having on consumer confidence.

As the global smartphone market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how manufacturers will adapt to these rising costs and what impact this will have on consumer demand.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.