iPhone 18 Pro prices could deliver an unpleasant surprise this week
Sid Clark
Posted On 08/09/2026 
Apple is a day away from unveiling the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but anyone planning an upgrade this year may need to prepare for a noticeably higher price.
New estimates suggest Apple could increase the starting price of both Pro models by as much as $200 in the United States, potentially making this one of the biggest year-on-year price jumps for the iPhone Pro lineup in recent years.
Research firm TrendForce estimates the iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,249 and $1,299, compared with $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could meanwhile rise from $1,199 to somewhere between $1,349 and $1,399, as reported by MacRumors.
The predicted increases come as Apple faces significantly higher component costs. Memory in particular has become more expensive, with previous estimates suggesting the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro could cost around 38% more to manufacture than its predecessor as memory accounts for a much larger proportion of the device’s bill of materials.
Apple is expected to offset some of those increased costs itself rather than passing the entire increase on to customers, but the latest estimates suggest buyers could still feel the impact when pricing is announced on Wednesday.
The higher prices would arrive alongside several upgrades. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to introduce Apple’s 2nm A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island, upgraded displays and Apple’s C2 modem, while reports have also pointed to camera improvements. The larger iPhone 18 Pro Max may receive a variable-aperture camera not offered on the smaller model.
Apple is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone at the event. Pricing for the so-called iPhone Ultra could make even the iPhone 18 Pro Max appear comparatively affordable, with estimates placing the foldable at between $2,099 and $2,299 before additional storage upgrades. The Apple Post previously reported that a fully configured iPhone Ultra could exceed $3,000.
Apple’s ‘Surprise and shine’ special event takes place on Wednesday, September 9 at Apple Park. Official pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s new foldable iPhone is expected to be revealed during the presentation.
