It all started when CEO Tim Cook admitted that Apple could no longer absorb all the increased costs in its supply chain as it had before. Although he didn't directly mention the iPhone 18, this statement led analysts to unanimously predict that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would see the biggest price increase in years.
iPhone 18 Pro Max in Dark Cherry color. Photo: X/Jon Rettinger
If current predictions come true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could approach or even surpass the price of the most high-end foldable phones on the market.
The iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,399.
Based on analyses of component and manufacturing costs, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to have a minimum starting price of around $1,299. This is already a significant increase compared to the previous generation.
However, many experts believe that figure doesn't fully reflect the upgrades Apple is preparing. The new camera system is rumored to use variable aperture technology, allowing the amount of light entering the sensor to change, similar to professional cameras. This camera module alone is said to cost up to 50% more to produce than the camera on the iPhone 17 Pro.
If this information is accurate, the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro could very well reach $1,399, an increase of about $300 compared to previous Pro generations.
For tech enthusiasts, this will be a significant price jump. But for Apple, it may be the only way to maintain profit margins amid rising semiconductor and memory component prices.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could reach $2,000.
Apple's pricing history shows that the Pro Max version is typically about $100 more expensive than the Pro model. Additionally, each storage upgrade usually adds around $200 to the price.
The price hike nightmare: 3 signs that Apple is about to rip off consumers.
If Apple continues to apply this formula, the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max could sell for as little as $1,499. Higher capacity versions would be significantly more expensive.
Most notably, the 1TB version is expected to see a price increase of $200 to $300, bringing the top-of-the-line iPhone 18 Pro Max closer to $2,000 – matching or even surpassing the current price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
This means consumers may have to spend the equivalent of a high-end laptop or a top-of-the-line foldable phone just to own Apple's most powerful iPhone.
The entire smartphone industry is raising prices.
Apple isn't the only company facing pressure from rising production costs. The prices of memory chips, AI components, and advanced display technologies are increasing globally.
Samsung has taken a proactive step by raising the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra and other Galaxy S26 models.
Galaxy S27: Is Samsung's most affordable flagship worth the price?
Specifically, the standard Galaxy S26 has increased from $799 to $899. The Galaxy S26 Plus has increased from $999 to $1,099. The Galaxy S26 Ultra retains its starting price, but the higher-capacity versions are significantly more expensive.
In this context, Apple's price increase for iPhones is no longer surprising. Analysts believe the smartphone industry is entering a new cycle where AI and high-end hardware will drive device prices up continuously.
Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries. On Google's side, the Pixel 10 Pro XL currently starts at around $1,199. Although there is no official information about the Pixel 11 series, observers believe that Google will likely follow a similar price increase trend.
The biggest question now is whether the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are truly worth the $200–$300 price increase.
(According to PhoneArena, AppleInsider)
10 reasons to wait for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. In about three months, Apple will officially introduce the next generation of high-end iPhones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/gia-iphone-18-pro-va-18-pro-max-se-cham-nguong-dat-do-ky-luc-2528926.html
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