Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026, and while the upcoming flagship is likely to introduce several hardware and AI-related upgrades, analysts believe its biggest change may be a higher launch price.
The company has traditionally announced new iPhones in September, and with the expected launch just weeks away, attention has shifted from rumored features to pricing. Although earlier reports suggested Apple might maintain pricing similar to the iPhone 17 lineup, recent comments by Apple CEO Tim Cook indicating that price increases are becoming unavoidable have fueled expectations of a costlier iPhone 18 Pro series.
According to analysts, rising component costs, particularly for memory and storage chips used in AI-powered devices, as well as currency fluctuations, could lead to noticeable price increases across Apple's premium smartphone lineup.
Speaking to India Today Tech, IDC India Vice President Navkendar Singh said Apple is likely to increase prices for the iPhone 18 Pro models.
"There will possibly be a $100-$150 (approximately ₹9,500 to ₹14,200) increase in iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pricing versus iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max launch prices. The memory situation will impact the launch prices of the 18 Pro and Pro Max."
If this estimate proves accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could launch above the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price of ₹1,34,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost significantly more than the current ₹1,49,900 starting price.
Earlier industry reports had indicated that Apple might absorb some of the higher manufacturing costs despite expected hardware improvements. However, analysts now believe that increasing production costs could make some level of price revision difficult to avoid.
Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak also expects pricing pressure due to rising memory costs and the weakening Indian rupee against the US dollar.
"Since memory prices have increased fourfold over the past three quarters and the rupee has weakened against the dollar, it is highly unlikely that any brand can absorb those costs. There is a high probability that this will be reflected in the pricing of the Apple iPhone 18 series."
Pathak added that Apple may try to keep the entry-level Pro model relatively competitive while introducing steeper price increases for higher storage variants.
"We anticipate a smaller price hike for the base model iPhone 18 Pro to maintain competitiveness, with the company likely pushing for larger price increases through higher-tier storage configurations."
The analyst also noted that Apple will need to carefully estimate festive-season demand while managing inventory levels and pricing strategy ahead of the launch.
While the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to bring improvements in processing power, AI capabilities, cameras, and overall performance, the anticipated price increase could influence buying decisions. For consumers who prioritize value over owning the latest flagship, the current iPhone 17 Pro may remain an attractive option if the predicted pricing materializes.
Apple has not officially announced the iPhone 18 series or confirmed its pricing. The expected launch is widely anticipated to take place during the first half of September 2026, when the company is likely to reveal final specifications, availability, and prices for global markets, including India.
Sources: India Today
