Memory cost inflation squeezes Apple and Samsung as iPhone gains price edge

Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring expects accelerating memory prices to keep squeezing Apple's margins and hasn't ruled out another iPhone price hike early next year. Samsung has already raised Galaxy S26 prices: the 1TB Galaxy S26 Ultra at $1,399 now costs more than the $1,299 iPhone 18 Pro Max. Micron warns the memory supply/demand imbalance will persist for at least another year.

• 1TB Galaxy S26 Ultra costs $1,399, above the $1,299 iPhone 18 Pro Max
• Micron: memory supply/demand imbalance to last at least another year
• Morgan Stanley: rising memory prices will keep squeezing Apple's margins
• Apple expands services and accessories: Apple Pay in India, AppleCare One, Apple Upgrade