The forthcoming launch of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series is now anticipated to see higher prices than initially expected, according to fresh reports from analysts. While it was previously suggested that Apple might limit price hikes for this new line-up, recent adjustments to the prices of various Mac and iPad models have changed this outlook. It is now believed that the iPhone 18 Pro variants could experience similar or greater increases when they are revealed.

Sources indicate that Apple typically reveals new iPhone models during its annual September event, though official pricing details remain unconfirmed by the company. Industry experts suggest that rising costs of components, particularly for memory chips, might compel Apple to raise prices across its flagship devices. The analytics firm IDC has projected that the prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could escalate by up to $200 compared to the previous models.

Earlier estimations by IDC had indicated a potential increase of $100 for the Pro models and around $50 for the standard versions. However, following Apple’s announcement of price hikes for its recent Mac and iPad offerings—some rising by as much as $300—IDC’s Senior Director of Data & Analytics, Nabila Popal, believes these forecasts may need adjustment, with the iPhone prices potentially seeing even steeper climbs.

Implications for Indian Consumers

The situation is expected to have repercussions for Indian consumers as well. In a previous discussion with India Today Tech, IDC India’s Vice President Navkendar Singh estimated price increases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models might range from $100 to $150 compared to the launch prices of the iPhone 17 Pro series. However, this estimation was made before the recent significant increases on MacBooks and iPads.

With Apple setting higher prices for these devices, previous predictions may no longer be applicable. Consumer observation has shown that Apple products often carry premium prices in India compared to the US. If the iPhone 18 Pro models are priced significantly higher in the United States, one can expect a similar trend to be reflected in the Indian market. Singh stated, “There is likely to be a $100-$150 (approximately Rs 9,500 to Rs 14,200) increase for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max against the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max launch prices.”

As a result, the iPhone 18 Pro could likely debut at a price above the iPhone 17 Pro’s starting launch price of Rs 1,34,900, while the Pro Max could surpass Rs 1,49,900. Market trends indicate long-standing patterns of price increases for Apple’s products in India.

Future Developments and Market Reactions

Despite the anticipated increase in prices, analysts remain optimistic that demand for the Pro models will not diminish significantly. IDC posits that many users with older iPhones might upgrade to utilise Apple’s latest AI-integrated features in Siri. Additionally, buyers of the Pro Max variants generally exhibit less sensitivity to price adjustments, and available monthly financing options may ease the financial burden of these higher costs.

Furthermore, Apple is expected to announce its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 series. IDC estimates that this foldable model could begin at approximately $2,500, with higher storage options potentially reaching $3,000. This ultra-premium offering is seen as a strategic move by Apple to balance escalating component costs without excessively inflating prices across its broader product line.

Currently, these projections remain unofficial, with Apple yet to disclose the pricing for the iPhone 18 series. The final pricing details are anticipated to be divulged when the company officially launches its next-generation iPhones, expected in the early part of September.

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