1021 GMT - Apple's push to expand higher-margin AI services could become increasingly important as rising memory costs drive up the price of its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, according to TrendForce. The research firm says Apple is expected to raise prices of iPhone 18 series by 10% to 20%, as memory costs surge, with memory expenses for the 256GB Pro model nearly 400% higher than a year earlier. While the iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple's first foldable phone are set to feature upgraded processors, cooling systems, cameras and battery life, TrendForce says they lack major breakthrough features. TrendForce expects foldable phones to account for only about 2% of the global smartphone market in 2026, limiting the near-term impact of Apple's first foldable device despite strong consumer interest.