Apple announced the iPhone 18 series and simultaneously raised the domestic sales price of its predecessor, the iPhone 17, by more than 160,000 won. The price adjustment is interpreted as a response to rising memory costs that have increased manufacturing expenses for smartphones, prompting Apple to raise prices not only for new models but also for existing ones. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have been removed from Apple's official product lineup.
According to Apple Korea on the 10th, the price of the iPhone 17 256GB model increased by 163,000 won (12.7%), rising from 1.287 million won to 1.45 million won. The 512GB model also saw a price hike of 166,000 won (10.5%), moving from 1.584 million won to 1.75 million won.
The recent sharp increase in memory prices appears to have influenced this price adjustment. With surging demand for memory driven by AI data centers, prices for DRAM and NAND flash have risen, leading to higher costs for mobile memory used in smartphones and increasing manufacturing burdens for device makers. Apple also raised the domestic launch price of its newly announced iPhone 18 series compared to its predecessor.
Alongside the release of the iPhone 18 series, Apple restructured its existing iPhone lineup. While the standard iPhone 17 model continues to be sold, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have been excluded from Apple's official product lineup. The Pro models have been replaced by the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
As a result, consumers who previously opted for older models at relatively lower prices now face different choices. Although the standard iPhone 17 remains available through official channels, its price has increased by more than 160,000 won, while sales of the previous-generation Pro models have ended through Apple's official stores.
However, inventory of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max held by mobile carriers and open marketplaces may continue to be sold for the time being. Actual selling prices for the standard iPhone 17 model may also vary depending on discounts offered by distribution channels and current stock levels.
in TECH
