Apple stocks drop after a report reveals the company is reducing component orders for the iPhone 18 Pro
Apple’s stock dropped over 1.6% in pre-market trading on Friday morning after a report suggested that the company reduced component production for its latest iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. This choice arose from diminished demand for the new phones—priced above the previous year’s models. Due to escalating memory chip costs influenced by the artificial intelligence sector.
Nikkei Asia reported, citing multiple anonymous sources knowledgeable about the situation. That Apple has cut component orders for the iPhone 18 Pro models by a minimum of 15% this month, attributing it to «weaker-than-anticipated» demand.
Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and the larger Pro Max variants last month, with initial prices set at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively—$100 more than the launch prices of the 17 Pro models.
In contrast to earlier years, Apple chose not to debut a regular «iPhone 18» model alongside the premium Pro versions. Deciding to delay its release until early next year.
A supply chain executive referenced by Nikkei mentioned that the demand in the latter part of this year is weaker than in earlier years, probably because there isn’t a typical iPhone 18.
In contrast to the major design refresh of the iPhone 17 Pro, the latest 18 Pro models showcase more incremental enhancements. Including a speedier chip and a more advanced primary camera.
Following the report’s publication, Apple’s stock price fell 1.6% in pre-market trading this Friday morning, settling at $334.89. However, the company’s shares have risen nearly 8% since last month’s iPhone event. Which also saw the unveiling of a new Apple Watch featuring advanced Siri AI capabilities.
New iPhone Duo
Unlike in previous years, the iPhone 18 Pro models will not be the company’s flagship launch for 2026. Alongside the Pro models, Apple announced the iPhone Duo last month—a passport-sized phone with a 7.6-inch internal screen that unfolds to a size similar to the iPad Mini.
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable phone, arriving after Samsung, Google, and other Android manufacturers have spent years releasing their own foldable devices. The Duo is also Apple’s most expensive phone, with a starting price of $1,999. It remains unclear whether the component cuts reported by Nikkei will also affect the Duo, which is scheduled for release on October 23.
