Apple’s next Pro-series iPhone 18 Pro could arrive with a significantly higher price tag if the latest analyst estimates prove accurate.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch later this year, with reports suggesting that Apple could raise the price of its premium models by between $250 and $300. That would translate to an increase of roughly ₹28,000, making it one of the company’s sharpest iPhone price revisions in recent years. Apple, however, has not announced the device, its pricing or its launch schedule.
New A20 Pro chip could push manufacturing costs higher
The expected price increase is being linked primarily to the cost of producing Apple’s next-generation processor.
Analysts Jeff Pu of GF Securities and Eric Woodring of Morgan Stanley have reportedly pointed to the A20 Pro chip as a major source of additional expense. The processor is expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s 2-nanometre technology, which is said to be considerably more expensive than the 3-nanometre process used for current-generation chips.
A smaller manufacturing process can support improvements in performance and power efficiency, but the move to a newer semiconductor technology may also raise production costs, particularly during its early adoption phase.
Memory components are adding to the pressure. Prices of DRAM and NAND chips have reportedly increased amid stronger demand for hardware used in artificial intelligence systems. The expected inclusion of a larger battery, upgraded cameras and other premium components could further increase the cost of building each device.
Apple may pass more of the added cost to buyers
Earlier expectations suggested that Apple could absorb part of the higher production cost. More recent reports, however, indicate that the company may pass a larger portion of the increase on to customers.
Should that happen, the iPhone 18 Pro could become Apple’s most expensive conventional iPhone, excluding any foldable model the company may introduce. This remains speculative, and Apple has not confirmed that a price increase is planned.
For India, current estimates place the possible starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro between ₹1,39,900 and ₹1,49,900. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could reportedly start between ₹1,59,900 and ₹1,69,900. These figures are projections rather than official retail prices.
Design and display changes are also expected
The higher price could be accompanied by several hardware and design updates.
Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro models may feature a smaller Dynamic Island and thinner display bezels. Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Silver and Dark Grey are among the colour options currently being discussed.
Apple is expected to retain 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch OLED displays for the Pro and Pro Max models. The panels could move to more power-efficient LTPO Plus technology, potentially helping the devices manage battery consumption more effectively.
The A20 Pro processor may be paired with 12GB of RAM. The combination is expected to support faster performance, improved thermal management and Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27, although none of these specifications has been formally announced by Apple.
Camera, battery and connectivity upgrades under discussion
Camera hardware could be another major area of improvement.
The iPhone 18 Pro is reportedly being developed with a 48-megapixel main camera featuring a variable aperture. An upgraded telephoto camera and a 24-megapixel front-facing camera are also expected.
A higher-capacity battery may be included, while a new C2 modem has been linked to possible improvements in 5G performance, power efficiency and satellite connectivity.
These upgrades, taken together, could help explain why Apple may be considering a larger-than-usual price adjustment for the Pro range.
September unveiling remains unconfirmed
Current rumours point to a possible unveiling on September 9. Apple has not confirmed that date, and the company has also not disclosed the product lineup, specifications or regional pricing.
Until Apple makes an official announcement, the reported prices and specifications should be treated as early projections. What appears increasingly clear from the available reports is that higher semiconductor, memory and component costs could make the iPhone 18 Pro a considerably more expensive upgrade than previous Pro models.
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