On October 9, Nikkei News reported that multiple sources with knowledge of the situation indicated that Apple has been compelled to increase product prices due to a substantial surge in the cost of memory chips. This price hike, in turn, has curbed consumer demand. Consequently, Apple has requested some suppliers to scale back the production of components for the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Specifically, two sources mentioned that Apple's component orders for this month have been slashed by at least 15% compared to the initial plan. A corporate executive disclosed, "Just in October, Apple has reduced orders for these two high-end models by 15% to 20%." Another source close to the matter suggested that this move might be linked to Apple's adjustment of its iPhone release strategy. This year, Apple has given priority to the launch of three high-end models, while the standard iPhone 18 and the next-generation iPhone Air are slated for release next spring. A supply chain manager commented, "Since August, product demand in the latter half of this year has not been as robust as during the same period in previous years. In the past, all new models would be rolled out simultaneously. This year, however, the standard iPhone 18, which is expected to drive sales growth, will not require components until the end of the year for its early 2027 release."