- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
55%
Plausible
Samsung and LG, two of Apple’s chief OLED suppliers for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, are reportedly being pressured to reduce display prices by 20 percent for the larger flagship as their lucrative customer finds ways to circumvent the dreaded chipflation. In addition to increased wafer costs, Apple is also dealing with rising DRAM and NAND flash prices to maintain its margins.
iPhone 18 Pro Max’s OLED price proposed at $70; Samsung & LG can go even lower
A new report from The Elec mentions Apple’s targeted price for the iPhone 18 Pro Max OLED being $70, but the good news for the Cupertino firm is that Samsung and LG can bring that figure down to an average $66.50. This reduction represents a 20 percent difference compared to the previous model, and since both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will ship with the newest M16 OLED panel, Apple is getting a discount while obtaining an advanced display.
In contrast, the average OLED price for the iPhone 17 Pro Max was $80, with iPhone 16 Pro Max panels often exceeding $100. The newest M16 will offer increased luminous efficiency, lifespan, and image characteristic improvements, producing better colors while also contributing to battery life. Based on the report, Samsung and LG appear to have better flexibility in offering Apple a discount for the iPhone 18 Pro Max OLED.
Assuming this decision happens, it’s because the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will sell a truckload of units, allowing both Samsung and LG to rake in a healthy amount of profit. Had it been any other company attempting to negotiate, it likely would have been turned down since no other manufacturer can match Apple’s iPhone shipments volume for a single model.
Before the DRAM crisis shocked various industries, OLED panels accounted for a large majority of an iPhone’s BoM (Bill of Materials). Now, the A20 Pro, Apple’s first 2nm SoC, is estimated to cost $280 per unit. To make matters worse, the DRAM and NAND flash price increases could force the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s BoM to be $300 higher.
For the time being, pressuring display makers is one area where Apple can seek hefty discounts, and if there are other avenues where the company can offset higher component costs, we’ll update readers in a timely fashion.
News Source: The Elec
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
