Your next iPhone could cost more sooner than expected: TSMC chip prices may be the reason

While Apple's product lineup has already seen partial price increases, the coveted iPhone could soon be next. In a unique turn of events, the hike may not be driven by more RAM or upgraded cameras, but rather by a 10% increase in chip prices reported by TSMC.

Higher chip costs could eventually push up the prices of a wide range of Apple devices—not just iPhones. More expensive processors are also likely to affect MacBooks, iPads and other Apple products.

The impact may not be limited to Apple either. Tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm and AMD all depend on TSMC for advanced chips. As a result, any price increase by the Taiwanese chipmaker could eventually trickle down to consumers across multiple product categories. The effect could become more pronounced from 2027 onward, especially after Apple already raised prices across parts of its Mac and iPad lineup last month.

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The reported TSMC price hike, first highlighted by Nikkei, also comes as Apple prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated 20th anniversary iPhone.

Reasons behind TSMC's reported price increase

TSMC has not officially confirmed the reason for the reported increase. However, media reports suggest the move reflects rising costs of raw materials, manufacturing equipment and the expense of setting up new overseas fabrication plants.

The Taiwanese chipmaker is currently expanding its operations in Arizona and plans to invest up to $64 billion there through 2026. Earlier this year, the Iran-Israel conflict also pushed up petroleum prices, increasing manufacturing costs. Petroleum derivatives and helium are both critical to semiconductor production, adding further pressure on chipmakers.

Could Apple raise prices sooner?

According to several leaks and social media posts circulating online, Apple could raise iPhone prices sooner than many expected. A number of posts on X claim the company may increase iPhone prices in India as early as August.

Although the reported TSMC price increase is expected to affect chip pricing next year, any near-term price hike would likely be driven by separate factors and could come as a surprise to buyers.

One widely shared post on X claims Apple has informed iPlanet dealers that the iPhone 17 could soon retail for Rs 94,990 in India from the first week of August—a jump of nearly Rs 12,000 from its reported launch price of Rs 82,900. The posts also claim supply has been disrupted across India, while the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could witness similar price increases.

Apple has not confirmed any of these claims, and Firstpost could not independently verify the social media posts. As such, the reports should be treated with caution until official pricing or dealer confirmation is available. However, if the reports prove accurate, buyers could be looking at higher iPhone prices sooner than anticipated