iPhone 18 Pro Prices May Rise as Foldable Tops $2,000

Apple’s next iPhone launch is now only days away, and the latest estimates suggest buyers could face higher prices across the premium lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone at the company’s September 9 event. Fresh TrendForce research points to a 10–20% increase for the new iPhone models, while the foldable could start between $2,099 and $2,299 in the US. Apple has not confirmed any of those prices, so the figures remain estimates until the company makes its official announcement.

Apple has officially scheduled its “Surprise and shine” special event for September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The company has not yet confirmed which iPhone models will appear, but industry research and multiple reports point to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a foldable model as the main attractions. This launch is also expected to introduce a major change to Apple’s traditional release cycle, with the standard iPhone 18 and other non-Pro variants reportedly moving to the first quarter of 2027.

The pricing story is more complicated than a simple annual increase. TrendForce says sharply higher memory costs are putting pressure on Apple’s production expenses, with memory costs for a 256GB Pro model estimated to be nearly 400% higher than a year earlier during the third quarter of 2026. Apple is reportedly trying to offset some of that pressure through savings elsewhere in its supply chain, but the research firm expects at least part of the additional cost to reach consumers.

What Could the iPhone 18 Pro Price Be?

The latest estimates suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could receive a noticeably smaller increase than Apple’s rumored foldable. A reported Egyptian listing has put the Pro at about EGP 98,000 and the Pro Max at EGP 105,000, figures that would represent increases of roughly 10% and 11% over the previous generation in that market. Those regional figures cannot be directly converted into US retail prices because taxes, currency movements and local pricing strategies differ.

TrendForce’s broader forecast is more useful for understanding the direction of pricing. The research firm expects Apple’s new models to rise by around 10–20%, while also suggesting that Apple may absorb some of the increased component costs to protect demand. If a roughly $100 increase reaches the US market, the Pro Max could move toward a $1,299 starting price, although Apple could ultimately choose a different configuration or price structure.

How Much Could Apple’s Foldable iPhone Cost?

The foldable iPhone is where the pricing could become dramatically different. TrendForce currently estimates a US starting price of $2,099 to $2,299, with higher-storage configurations potentially exceeding $3,000. Earlier leaks and regional listings have produced lower estimates around $2,000, but the latest research indicates that Apple may position the device well above its conventional Pro models.

The rumored price would make Apple’s first foldable one of the company’s most expensive consumer devices in the iPhone category. Reports indicate that Apple may use a large internal OLED display paired with a smaller external screen, while the device could rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID. Those specifications remain unconfirmed, and Apple has not publicly acknowledged the rumored “iPhone Ultra” branding either.

Why Could the iPhone 18 Lineup Cost More?

Memory pricing is emerging as one of the clearest explanations for the expected increases. TrendForce says memory costs have entered a major upcycle, creating a significant bill-of-materials challenge for smartphone manufacturers. For Apple, the pressure is particularly important because the company has to balance higher component expenses against consumer resistance to another major price increase.

That pressure could also explain why Apple is reportedly changing its launch schedule. Rather than releasing every major iPhone variant in the same fall window, Apple is expected to concentrate this September event on its premium models and delay the standard lineup until early 2027. TrendForce says the strategy could help Apple manage production constraints while keeping attention on its highest-margin products.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the iPhone 18 Pro be announced?

Apple has confirmed a special event for September 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are widely expected to be among the products announced, although Apple has not officially confirmed the lineup.

How much will the foldable iPhone cost?

TrendForce currently estimates a US starting price of $2,099 to $2,299 for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Higher-end configurations could potentially exceed $3,000, but Apple’s official price remains unknown.

Why are iPhone 18 prices expected to increase?

Higher component expenses, particularly memory costs, are putting pressure on Apple’s production costs. TrendForce expects the new iPhone models to see roughly 10–20% price increases, although Apple may absorb part of the additional cost.