Google has raised the price of its new Pixel 11 smartphones, a move that intensifies pricing pressure on Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, according to Applesfera.
The Spanish outlet reports that the latest Pixel price increase follows a broader trend of rising component costs, specifically a shortage of RAM memory chips. This shortage has already pushed Apple to adjust its own pricing expectations, with Tim Cook having previously warned of the challenges posed by escalating production costs.
Applesfera notes that Google's decision to raise Pixel 11 prices now places additional strain on Apple's ability to position the iPhone 18 Pro competitively. With both major smartphone makers facing the same supply constraints, the gap between their flagship devices' price points is narrowing, potentially forcing Apple to reconsider its strategy.
The RAM shortage has been widely reported across the industry, with El Mundo also covering Google's move as part of a wider trend of price increases affecting consumer electronics. The shortage has made memory components significantly more expensive, and manufacturers have been passing those costs onto consumers.
For buyers, the price changes raise a practical question: whether to purchase the new Pixel 11 at its higher price or seek out discounted Pixel 10 models instead. Xataka has compared the two generations directly, noting that the older devices may offer better value for budget-conscious shoppers.
Google's Pixel 11 launch event itself was notable for its format, with comedian Trevor Noah hosting the presentation as a talk show, according to ABC. The spectacle, however, did not distract from the underlying economic reality of the device's higher price tag.
What to watch next: whether Apple responds to Google's pricing move by adjusting the iPhone 18 Pro's launch price or absorbing some of the RAM costs to maintain its market position.
