According to a new rumor out of Korea, Apple is trying to offset some of the higher costs of memory and storage for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max by getting cheaper displays.

In fact, its panel suppliers Samsung Display and LG are apparently selling Apple the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s screen at an average price of $66.5, which is allegedly almost 20% below what Apple paid for the iPhone 17 Pro Max‘s screen last year (in the $80 range).

Even last year, Apple was getting cheaper displays than the year before that, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max‘s screen reportedly costing above $100 at times. All of this doesn’t however mean that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a worse panel. In fact, it will be using M16, the latest organic material, which improves luminous efficiency, lifespan, and color accuracy.

Obviously the cheaper displays will help Apple achieve a slightly lower bill of materials for the upcoming device than it otherwise would have. The company is already rumored to be raising prices for the iPhone 18 Pro Max due to the higher memory and storage costs. This may help the hike not be as big as it could have been, but the iPhone 18 Pro Max might still be $200 more expensive than its predecessor.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Source (in Korean)