Tim Cook confirms Apple will raise iPhone prices as AI-driven memory chip costs surge

库克：AI 浪潮引发存储芯片价格暴涨，iPhone 等苹果产品涨价已"不可避免"

Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal that memory chip prices have quadrupled since 2024 due to AI demand, and Apple can no longer absorb the cost—price hikes are 'unavoidable.' He didn't disclose timing, amounts, or which products are affected. TechInsights estimates the next iPhone 18 Pro may need a ~$270 bump to $1,299 to protect margins. Apple already raised the Mac Mini starting price last month; Dell and Nintendo have also raised prices. Morgan Stanley forecasts a 15% increase for US smartphones and PCs this year.

Why it matters: Cook confirms AI-driven 4x memory chip cost surge makes iPhone price hikes inevitable, backed by concrete numbers and third-party estimates. Downside: no timeline, amount, or specific products named — still a warning, not an official price change.