The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could become significantly more expensive than the current generation.
Analyst Jeff Pu reportedly estimates that higher memory and processor costs could push prices up by approximately $250 to $300 in the United States. Apple has not confirmed the increase, announced the iPhone 18 series, or published official prices.
Quick answer
The latest estimate suggests:
- iPhone 18 Pro: potentially $250–$300 more than the iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: potentially $250–$300 more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Expected announcement: September 2026, according to current reports
- Official price: not yet confirmed
Current US starting prices are reportedly $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max. Applying the full predicted increase would produce rough starting prices of around:
| Model | Current US starting price | Rumored possible price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,099 | $1,349–$1,399 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,199 | $1,449–$1,499 |
These are calculations based on the analyst’s predicted increase, not leaked Apple price lists.
Why could the iPhone 18 Pro cost more?
The new 2 nm A20 Pro chip
The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to use Apple’s new A20 Pro processor, reportedly manufactured using TSMC’s 2-nanometre process.
Moving from the current 3 nm process to 2 nm could improve performance and power efficiency, but using a newer manufacturing process is also more expensive, particularly during its early production stages.
The A20 Pro is also rumored to use a new packaging method that places the processor and memory more closely together. This could improve performance and energy efficiency, especially for AI processing and demanding games.
None of these specifications has been officially confirmed by Apple.
Memory prices are rising
The second reason is the cost of DRAM and NAND storage.
Demand from AI data centres has put pressure on global memory supply. Market researchers have warned that rising memory prices are increasing the cost of manufacturing smartphones across the industry.
The analyst report specifically identifies higher memory and 2 nm silicon costs as the main reasons the Pro models could become more expensive.
What could the iPhone 18 Pro cost in Germany?
There is no reliable official German price yet.
A direct conversion from dollars to euros would be misleading because German pricing includes VAT and Apple sets regional prices independently. Currency exchange rates, storage capacity and regional pricing decisions will also affect the final amount.
Some reports speculate that the iPhone 18 Pro could exceed €1,500, with the Pro Max moving closer to €1,700 or more. Those figures should currently be treated as speculation rather than expected retail prices.
Apple’s German website currently lists the iPhone 17 generation as its newest range and contains no official iPhone 18 product page.
When will the iPhone 18 Pro be released?
Current reports point to a split release schedule.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected in September 2026, possibly alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air may not arrive until spring 2027.
This remains unconfirmed. Apple has not announced an iPhone 18 event or release schedule.
Are the price rumors believable?
The cost pressure is believable. The exact $250–$300 increase is less certain.
There is evidence that memory prices are rising and that Apple is expected to use a more advanced processor. Other analysts have also predicted an iPhone price increase, although estimates differ. One recent forecast suggested an increase closer to $200.
There are also conflicting reports. Earlier in 2026, Jeff Pu reportedly suggested Apple could use aggressive pricing to keep the Pro models competitive despite higher component costs. His newer forecast is considerably more pessimistic.
The conclusion is simple: a price increase is plausible, but the exact amount is far from settled.
Should you wait for the iPhone 18 Pro?
Waiting makes sense when:
- Your current phone still works well
- You want the latest processor
- You are interested in the rumored camera or design changes
- You are prepared for a possible price increase
- You want to compare official specifications before buying
Buying the current model may make more sense when:
- You need a phone now
- You find a strong iPhone 17 Pro discount
- You do not need the newest processor
- You want predictable pricing
- A $250–$300 increase would put the next model outside your budget
Do not delay an urgent purchase based only on rumors. Apple can change specifications, storage options and pricing until the official announcement.
What Apple has actually confirmed
At the time of publication, Apple has not confirmed:
- The iPhone 18 Pro name
- The A20 Pro chip
- A September release
- The $250–$300 price increase
- German or UK pricing
- The rumored split launch schedule
Apple’s official product range still centres on the iPhone 17 series.
Final recommendation
The latest iPhone 18 Pro price rumor deserves attention because it is supported by real pressure from rising memory costs and expensive next-generation chip manufacturing.
However, the reported $250–$300 increase is an analyst estimate, not a confirmed price.
Prospective buyers should prepare for a more expensive Pro generation, but they should not treat speculative US or European price tables as final. The sensible decision is to wait for Apple’s official announcement before comparing the iPhone 18 Pro with discounted iPhone 17 models.
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