Will the iPhone 18 Pro get a price hike? The latest rumors say no
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are expected to maintain prices similar to their predecessors despite RAM supply issues.
- Apple is implementing cost management strategies, including negotiations with suppliers, to avoid price increases ahead of the planned fall 2026 launch.
- Analysts predict stable prices for these models, offering positive news to consumers concerned about rising smartphone costs.
When it comes to smartphone launches, the “no news is good news” principle rarely applies: a new phone largely identical to its predecessor can only be a disappointment. But one exception, particularly in times of economic crisis, is price.
Last fall’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max were premium phones, priced accordingly: the 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and the 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. But some fear that the 18 Pro will be even more expensive due to market pressures, and it is with great relief that we can report that the consensus among experts is now that this will not be the case. No news is good news.
In a research note seen by 9to5Mac this week, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu reports that Apple has implemented cost management measures for iPhone updates in late 2026, with the goal of selling the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max at “unchanged pricing.” [pricing] or at a similar level” to the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This follows similar predictions from other analysts, including the famous Ming-Chi Kuo.
Fears of rising prices were based on a RAM supply crisis, largely caused by the AI market and its ever-increasing infrastructure needs. Apple itself has acknowledged that this is a challenge. During the first quarter earnings call last month, CEO Tim Cook said that while RAM price increases had not affected the company this quarter, it is likely they would have an impact later in the year. Apple is now “in supply hunting mode,” he admitted.
Cost management measures include negotiations with suppliers to obtain favorable terms (in exchange, Apple may agree to purchase larger volumes) and cost reductions in areas other than memory. It’s unclear exactly how Apple will reduce costs on the display and cameras, for example, but under normal conditions it’s to be expected that the same components will become cheaper from year to year.
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will launch in fall 2026, almost certainly in September and likely accompanied by the iPhone Fold. (The price, I’m afraid, will be extremely high.) The standard iPhone 18 isn’t expected to launch until the following spring, likely alongside the iPhone 18e.
For all the latest news and rumors, check out our regularly updated iPhone 18 superguide. Or, if you can’t wait until fall, make sure you pay the lowest price in the current lineup with our roundup of the best iPhone deals.
