The rumor that millions of Apple fans have been waiting for has finally arrived. Top-level analysts revealed how much the next iPhone 18 would cost, and the news is better than many could have expected.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple would maintain entry prices on sinful iPhone 18 models. This projection aligns with that of renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also anticipates that the Professional and Professional Max models would arrive with the same launch prices as their previous generation. In concrete numbers, that translates into $1,099 for the iPhone 18 Professional and $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Professional Max.
Now, not everything is so simple. Versions with greater storage – 512 GB, 1 TB or even 2 TB – could register increases. So if you were planning to upgrade to the model with more space, it may be a good idea to start saving a little more.
Why Apple won’t raise the price without
Apple has compelling reasons not to touch entry prices. The iPhone 17 reached historical sales records in the second fiscal quarterwhich shows that the proper pricing strategy is working perfectly.
Added to this is a very particular moment within the company. John Ternus will replace Tim Cook dinner as CEO starting in Septembera huge change in leadership that makes it unlikely that Apple wants to generate additional noise with a price increase in the most popular models. Launching a cycle with stable prices is, in this context, a move calculated to maintain consumer confidence.
The other factor that comes into play—and that goes in the opposite direction—is the increase in the cost of components, especially chips. With the jump to the 2 nanometer manufacturing process for the A20 chip, production costs do not decrease. That Apple absorbs some of that pressure without transferring it to the sinful price says a lot about its financial room for maneuver.
What does the iPhone 18 bring that makes it different
Beyond the price, the leaks point to concrete improvements that justify the wait. The highlight of the iPhone 18 is the premiere of the 2 nanometer A20 chipwhich would promise up to 15% more performance compared to the A19 that currently equips the iPhone 17. The Professional models would also be equipped with the A20 Professional variant, designed for even more demanding tasks.
The entire line would have 12 GB of RAMcompared to 8 GB for the standard iPhone 17. That jump is significant, especially thinking about the artificial intelligence functions that Apple continues to expand with Apple Intelligence.
As for the design, there would not be a visual revolution, but there would be striking adjustments. The Professional models would integrate a Smaller Dynamic Island thanks to Face ID under the screen. The dimensions of the screens would remain at 6.3 and 6.9 inches for Professional and Professional Max respectively, but with greater brightness and energy efficiency. And the color catalog would arrive renewed with options such as Darkish Cherry, Gentle Blue, Darkish Gray and Silver.
The camera would also have its moment. The iPhone 18 Professional Max would incorporate a variable aperture on main cameraa feature that would allow better control of light entry and depth effects. The front camera would jump to 24MP with advanced processing functions. And the Professional Max’s battery could reach up to 5,200mAhthe largest in the history of the iPhone.
Another important technical change is the arrival of Apple C2 modemwhich would permanently replace Qualcomm, improve energy efficiency and bring support for 5G mmWave along with possible satellite web functions beyond emergency uses.
With all this on the table, it is clear that Apple enters the iPhone 18 cycle with a strategy designed not to scare the mass market while continuing to push upwards with increasingly specialized models. The A20 chip, the record-breaking battery, the Face ID under the screen and the debut of the foldable make this one of the most anticipated launches in years.
Keep reading:
• Will the iPhone 18 Professional be saved from increases in 2026? Apple has a strategy to contain costs
• Production of the iPhone 18 Professional has already begun and its camera is about to change everything we know about mobile photography
• Leaking ensures that the iPhone 18 will incorporate a key change in its design
