Apple may raise the prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max while changing the storage configuration on higher-capacity models, according to a new leak. The 1TB and 2TB versions are said to move from TLC NAND to QLC NAND, a shift that could affect write speed and endurance even as prices climb.
Leak points to QLC on higher-capacity Pro models
Leaker Reptalica said the 256GB and 512GB models will continue using TLC NAND supplied by SK Hynix, Kioxia, and SanDisk. The reported change is limited to the larger storage tiers. The 1TB model is said to rely mainly on SK Hynix BC8Q-1T QLC NAND, with a small number of units possibly using Samsung 3DV8 1TB TLC NAND as an alternative. The 2TB version is reportedly set to use SK Hynix BC8Q-2T QLC NAND.
That would mark a notable change from the previous generation, as the 2TB iPhone 17 Pro Max was still said to use TLC NAND. The report also claims the 2TB chip is based on an enterprise-oriented design, with potentially weaker random 4K performance. That may matter more in workloads involving heavy file writes, including high-resolution photos and video capture.
The trade-off between TLC and QLC
TLC, or Triple-Level Cell, stores 3 bits per cell and is generally associated with stronger write performance, better consistency, and higher endurance. QLC, or Quad-Level Cell, stores 4 bits per cell, allowing for greater density and lower cost, but it usually trails TLC in write speed and durability. That technical gap is at the center of the concern around the rumored storage change.
The report adds that all iPhone 18 Pro models will use Apple’s in-house S6E PHY, built on a 3nm process and packaged with the NAND as a PCIe 5.0 x1 PHY. In other words, the reported downgrade is tied to the NAND itself rather than a weaker storage controller.
Rising flash costs may be behind the change
The report links the storage decision to mounting component costs. It says the flash memory cost for a 256GB iPhone 18 Pro could jump from $13 per unit on the comparable iPhone 17 Pro model to $51 per unit. That is close to a fourfold increase, putting pressure on margins even if retail prices move higher.
On pricing, market expectations cited in the report place the starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,399 and $1,499. If the leak is accurate, the 256GB and 512GB versions may end up looking more attractive than the higher-capacity tiers, since they are expected to keep TLC storage while avoiding the highest price brackets.
Apple has not officially announced the final storage configuration or pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The current details come from leaks and media reports, and the final specifications will have to wait for an official launch event.