Global smartphone prices have risen an average of 15% this year, with more than four in 10 models becoming more expensive, according to Counterpoint Research on the 10th. Newly launched models rose about 25% on average, while India recorded the steepest regional increase at 21%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 19%, the Middle East and Africa at 18%, and Latin America at 16%. Prices increased 10% in China, 7% in Europe and 5% in the United States, where premium-phone sales, carrier subsidies and installment plans provided greater support. Surging memory chip prices are squeezing manufacturers, particularly in markets dominated by mid- and low-priced devices, prompting some companies to reduce storage or camera specifications and reintroduce 4G models at selected price points. Consumers are delaying upgrades, waiting for discounts, or choosing lower-capacity and used phones. Apple has now raised prices on both newly launched and older iPhones: the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,299, each $100 above its predecessor, while the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 16 also rose by $100. Apple discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which launched last year.