Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup could be significantly more expensive than its predecessors, with a new estimate pointing to a starting price of up to $1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,399 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
With Apple’s September 9 event now less than a week away, attention is turning to the company’s next-generation iPhones. While Apple has not announced official pricing, research firm TrendForce expects the Pro models to receive a notable price increase compared with last year’s iPhone 17 Pro series.
According to the latest estimates, the iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,249 and $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost between $1,349 and $1,399 at launch.
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: Expected Price
If the estimates prove accurate, both new Pro models could cost $150 to $200 more than their respective predecessors.
| Model | Previous Starting Price | Expected Starting Price | Potential Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | — | — |
| iPhone 18 Pro | — | $1,249–$1,299 | $150–$200 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | — | — |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | — | $1,349–$1,399 | $150–$200 |
TrendForce’s latest assessment places the possible increase in the 10% to 20% range. Its earlier forecast had pointed toward a roughly 14% to 18% increase.
It is important to note that these are industry estimates, not Apple-confirmed prices. The final pricing will only be known when Apple officially unveils the devices.
Rising Memory Costs Could Push iPhone Prices Higher
One of the major factors behind the expected increase is the rising cost of memory components.
TrendForce estimates that the price of a 256GB memory chip has increased by nearly 400% year over year. The research firm also estimates that the overall bill of materials for a 256GB Pro model has risen by roughly 38%.
Apple may absorb part of the additional manufacturing cost rather than passing the entire increase to customers. However, if component prices remain elevated, the company could still increase retail prices for its higher-end iPhone models.
The surge in demand for memory from AI infrastructure is also putting pressure on the broader electronics supply chain, making memory costs an increasingly important factor for smartphone manufacturers.
iPhone Ultra Could Be Even More Expensive
Apple is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone this year, which has been widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra in reports.
TrendForce estimates that the foldable model could start at approximately $2,099 to $2,299. Higher-storage configurations could potentially push the price beyond $3,000.
That would place the foldable iPhone well above Apple’s traditional Pro Max models and establish it as a separate ultra-premium product category.
What About the Regular iPhone 18?
Apple is not expected to launch the standard iPhone 18 alongside the Pro models.
Reports suggest the regular iPhone 18 could arrive in spring 2027. TrendForce expects the same broad 10% to 20% pricing pressure to potentially affect the standard model as well.
Apple’s 2026 lineup is therefore shaping up to be considerably different from previous iPhone launches, with the company expected to separate the release schedules of its higher-end and standard models.
Also Read: iOS 18 vs iOS 26: The Complete Comparison (2026 Update)
When Will Apple Reveal the iPhone 18 Pro Price?
Apple is scheduled to hold its next major iPhone event on September 9. The company is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during the event, along with additional products.
The rumored prices remain unconfirmed until Apple’s announcement, so buyers should treat the current figures as estimates rather than final retail pricing.
If the $1,249-$1,299 starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro becomes reality, it would represent a substantial increase over the iPhone 17 Pro. For customers considering the Pro Max, the potential $1,349-$1,399 starting range could make Apple’s premium smartphone lineup more expensive than ever.
