Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may arrive with higher price tags, but a new leak suggests buyers of the most expensive storage versions may not be getting the upgrade they expect.
According to tipster Reptalica, Apple is reportedly planning to use different types of NAND flash storage across the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The 256GB and 512GB models are said to feature TLC NAND supplied by SK hynix, Kioxia, and SanDisk. However, the 1TB and 2TB versions may move to QLC NAND in several configurations, a decision that could affect storage performance and long-term durability.
This matters because not all phone storage is equal. TLC, or Triple-Level Cell NAND, stores three bits of data per cell. It is generally known for offering stronger endurance, more consistent write speeds, and better overall performance compared with QLC NAND. QLC, or Quad-Level Cell NAND, stores four bits per cell, which allows manufacturers to deliver higher capacities at lower cost, but it often comes with trade-offs in speed and durability.
For the 1TB iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is reportedly using SK hynix’s BC8Q-1T QLC NAND as the main storage component. A Samsung 1TB TLC NAND option may also appear, but the leak describes it as a rare alternative. That means two people buying the same 1TB iPhone 18 Pro model could potentially receive devices with different storage hardware.
The rumored change becomes even more notable with the 2TB model. Apple is said to be using SK hynix’s BC8Q-2T QLC NAND, which the tipster claims is an enterprise-focused design. The concern is that random 4K performance, an important factor for everyday responsiveness and app behavior, may not be as strong as expected from a premium iPhone model.
If accurate, this would be a surprising shift. The 2TB iPhone 17 Pro Max reportedly uses TLC NAND, which better fits the expectations attached to Apple’s most expensive storage tier. A move to QLC on the 2TB iPhone 18 Pro models could be seen as a downgrade, especially if Apple is also raising prices.
The reason behind the decision may come down to cost. Flash storage prices are reportedly climbing, with the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro storage cost said to increase significantly compared with the iPhone 17 Pro. Using QLC NAND in higher-capacity models could help Apple manage component expenses while protecting profit margins.
Still, the timing may frustrate buyers. The base iPhone 18 Pro is expected to start at around $1,399, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could begin at around $1,499. At those prices, customers may expect premium components across every storage tier, especially on 1TB and 2TB versions that already command a sizable upgrade cost.
For now, this remains an unconfirmed leak, and Apple has not announced the iPhone 18 Pro series or its storage specifications. But if the report proves accurate, buyers may want to think carefully before choosing the highest-capacity iPhone 18 Pro models. The 256GB and 512GB versions could end up offering the better balance of price, performance, and storage quality.
