Blogger Dingjiao Digital reports that Apple has significantly scaled back production of the standard iPhone 17 model on certain assembly lines, driven by escalating costs of upstream components. Starting this week, output on these lines will be cut by one-third, surpassing the initial reduction plan of 15%. Notably, this production cut is not linked to the production schedule of the iPhone 18. Instead, it serves as a strategic response to the mounting profit pressures stemming from the rising costs of components. Previously, Apple managed to keep inventory costs low by leveraging long-term price-locking agreements. However, these agreements expired in the second quarter of this year, compelling Apple to accept higher prices for subsequent component purchases. Consequently, prices for Mac and iPad products have already seen increases. With the profit margin for the standard iPhone 17 model now teetering on the brink, Apple has opted to reduce production as a means to strike a balance between supply and profitability, while also mitigating inventory risks. Industry analysts speculate that this move could foreshadow Apple's upcoming price adjustments, with potential price hikes anticipated to align with the launch of the iPhone 18 series in September, as a way to offset the cost pressures.