Apple is expected to unveil its iPhone 18 lineup at the September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event, but the company’s cheapest new iPhone could be significantly more expensive than usual.
The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly not expected to launch until spring 2027. If that happens, the iPhone 18 Pro would become the least expensive new iPhone introduced at Apple’s September event this year.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to start at around $1,099, equivalent to more than Rs304,000 in Pakistan, although the final price could be higher if Apple passes rising memory costs on to consumers.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in June that memory chip prices had increased significantly. Subsequent reports suggested the company could raise iPhone prices by at least $100, potentially putting the iPhone 18 Pro at $1,199.
Under that scenario, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at around $1,299.
Apple’s pricing strategy has remained relatively stable in recent years. The standard iPhone lineup had started at $829, while Pro models previously began at $999. The iPhone 17 Pro was launched at $1,099 last year.
Apple is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone this year, with reports suggesting a starting price above $2,000. That would make the upcoming flagship lineup among the company’s most expensive to date.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 is currently priced from $829, while the iPhone 17e starts at $599. These models are therefore expected to remain among the cheaper iPhone options available to consumers.
The iPhone Air starts at $999, while a second-generation model is reportedly expected alongside the standard iPhone 18 in 2027.
Apple has yet to officially confirm the pricing of the upcoming iPhone models.