iPhone 18 series will be more expensive, launching alongside AirPods 5
Following the significant price increase for MacBooks and iPads in June due to exorbitantly rising memory chip prices, rumors are circulating that this year’s iPhones will follow suit. According to a report from earlier this month, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to cost as much as $100 more than their predecessors.
However, the most recent report on this topic comes from a more reputable source and confirms earlier statements from other informants. Rising RAM and NAND chip prices are putting pressure on Apple to take action and pass on some of the costs to consumers.
According to insiders, Apple tried to avoid a price increase and absorb the costs itself. However, since its already slim profit margins are no longer sustainable, the $100 price hike for all iPhone 18 models allows the company to pass the costs on to customers without undercutting competitors like Samsung with exorbitant prices. After all, Samsung, Google, and other smartphone manufacturers have already raised their prices, so Apple’s move is unlikely to be met with resistance.
Even though the iPhone 18 Pro could be available starting at $1,199, its price is significantly lower than that of its competitors. Furthermore, Apple’s loyal user base will likely allow the company to raise prices again later if necessary. Therefore, a $100 price increase for the new iPhones, while initially seeming substantial, is a relatively moderate adjustment in the current context.
iPhone 18 Pro launch date coming this week
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple plans to send out invitations to its annual iPhone event this week. The event is expected to take place on Wednesday, September 9, Gurman said.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, as well as the first foldable iPhone Ultra. Other rumored new products include an Apple Watch Series 12 with an optional ceramic case.
Apple AirPods 5 with two models
But that’s not all: According to Gurman, Apple also plans to unveil two new AirPods 5 models at the launch event. Like the AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 will be available with and without active noise cancellation, Gurman says.
Hints of the AirPods 5 were discovered last week in the code of the macOS 26.7 Release Candidate. It’s not yet known how the AirPods 5 will differ from the AirPods 4, which were released in September 2024. Apple prices the AirPods 4 between €149 and €199 (US$127/US$179), but they can already be found for significantly less in our AirPods 4 price comparison.
