Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series could arrive with a higher price tag as the company faces rising costs of memory chips and other components. While Apple has traditionally kept launch prices stable for several iPhone models, analysts believe the next Pro lineup may see a noticeable increase when it is unveiled, likely in September 2026.
The expected price jump comes after Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that rising costs could make price increases difficult to avoid in the coming years. With memory and storage components becoming more expensive due to demand linked to artificial intelligence, buyers waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may have to prepare for a bigger budget.
iPhone 18 Pro price could increase by up to $150
Apple has maintained a consistent pricing strategy for its flagship smartphones, especially for the standard iPhone models. However, Pro models have seen price changes depending on upgrades and market conditions.
As per IDC India Vice President Navkendar Singh quoted by India Today, Apple may increase prices by $150 (approximately Rs 9,500 to Rs 14,200) across multiple iPhone generations, with the iPhone 18 Pro models likely to see a bigger impact.
If the expected increase happens, the iPhone 18 Pro could launch above the iPhone 17 Pro’s starting price of Rs 1,34,900 in India. The iPhone 18 Pro Max, which started at Rs 1,49,900 for the previous generation, could also move higher.
Rising memory costs become a challenge for Apple
Earlier reports suggested that Apple might avoid a major price increase despite introducing hardware improvements. However, higher production costs have changed expectations around the next iPhone launch.
Memory prices, manufacturing expenses and currency movement are now becoming important factors for smartphone companies. Analysts believe Apple may not be able to fully absorb these additional costs without passing some impact to customers.
iPhone 18 Pro Series launch
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro series in the first two weeks of September 2026, following its usual iPhone launch schedule.
The company’s final pricing strategy will become clear only after the official announcement. Until then, customers planning to upgrade may need to consider the possibility of a higher price for Apple’s next flagship smartphones.
