iPhoneapocalypse now!

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Apple has already hiked prices across many of its products, sparing only the iPhone — but that’s about to change.

Cupertino is rumored to jack up prices of the iPhone 17 lineup as early as this week.

Macs and iPads are already more expensive than just a few weeks ago by $100 to $300.

Best guess, we’re going to see iPhone prices increase by at least $100, and even more for the higher-end models, perhaps a lot more.

Because most iPhone buyers wait two or three years to upgrade their devices, there’s a significant population waiting on the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, which will be unveiled in a few short weeks.

But those, too, are tipped to be more expensive than predecessors, with the Pro models likely starting at $1,400.

That’s a chunk of change for handsets that are rumored to be a lot like the current iPhone 17 Pro models.

If you were waiting on the iPhone 18, it might be a good idea to instead get an iPhone 17 now — and save yourself a big chunk of cheese.

Plus, it might be your last chance to get a cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro!

Also in today’s newsletter:

This sounds like Apple’s ready to move forward with controversial Chinese memory chips.
Oh great: AI slop is coming to your iPhone Lock Screen. It’s not all bad, though.
With the launch of Apple’s first folding iPhone, potential iPhone buyers face a Buridan’s ass situation.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: Believe it or not, we have a sale on memory!!! Here’s one of the easiest ways to bump the storage of your Mac (or even iPhone or iPad): PNY’s super-speedy 256GB Pro Elite flash drive, reduced to just $80. #afffiliate
This is great news: Apple is considering a much wider array of Apple Watch models, including, possibly, round-faced ones.
How would you feel if your brand-new iPhone or Mac came preloaded with all your personal details and data before you took it out of the box? It’d sure be convenient, but it’s a bit too ick for Apple right now.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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Should you buy an iPhone now to avoid the coming price hikes?

Rumors point to steep iPhone 18 Pro price hikes this September. Here’s why non-Pro buyers should shop now (and Pro buyers should think twice).

Apple reportedly tests Chinese memory chips for iPhone and MacBook

Company reportedly tries memory chips from China's CXMT in iPhone and MacBook as it hunts for new suppliers during global memory shortage.

The biggest threat to the iPhone Pro Max isn't Samsung — it's Apple's folding iPhone

When the iPhone Ultra launches alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max this fall, Apple will face an awkward marketing dilemma.

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iOS 27 Lock Screen customizations finally put you in control of your iPhone

AI wallpapers, a movable clock and more — here’s what’s new and how to use it.

Apple plans to reinvent Apple Watch lineup

Apple is exploring a major Apple Watch overhaul that could include a round display, a ceramic casing and even new types of fitness wearables.

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Price cut: 1minAI puts ChatGPT and other top AIs all in one place

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Apple scrapped ambitious plan to make iPhone upgrades seamless

Apple wanted to make upgrading effortless by shipping Apple Upgrade customers new iPhones with their data already loaded, but it eventually killed the idea.

‘Friday Night Baseball’ gets an immersive upgrade on Apple Vision Pro

An immersive 8K 3D experience will light up four games this season.

Today in Apple history: Dev defends I Am Rich, his totally useless $1,000 app

On August 10, 2008, developer Armin Heinrich called his ridiculous $1,000 iPhone app I Am Rich a work of art.

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

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One more thing ...

❝

You know who Alexander's tutor was for about 14 years? Aristotle. I read this and become immensely jealous — I think I would have enjoyed that, a great deal — and through the miracle of a printed page, I can at least read what Aristotle wrote.

— Steve Jobs, 1985.

Today’s poll

Will you upgrade your iPhone if prices rise hundreds of dollars?

Results from yesterday’s poll

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