The next iPhone lineup is coming soon, and it’s going to be different. The base model iPhone 18 has not been released yet as it has moved to a spring release schedule. This September, we’re introducing iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new foldable iPhone.
Of course, there’s one big problem with this: rising prices. Higher prices for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup are inevitable, but that begs the question – is it a good idea to buy the iPhone 17 Pro at its current price?
New features of iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro will be a modest upgrade from the iPhone 17 Pro, but I wouldn’t call it an “S year” at all.
There are some notable features. It also gets a small dynamic island, a variable aperture main camera for fine-grained control over depth of field, an array of new color options (including a red colorway), and Apple’s C2 modem (a first for a Pro iPhone), 5G connectivity via satellite.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be thicker and have a larger battery, which, when combined with the C2 modem, should provide an incredible battery boost.
There are the usual chip upgrades with the A20 Pro (1st generation 2nm chip) and the N2 network chip. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain 12GB of RAM like its predecessor. Apple also plans to redesign the camera controls to be less prone to accidental manipulation.
Apple will probably find a way to surprise us with additional upgrades, but this is all we know for now.
price increase
Now, this is the main point. Apple has already significantly increased prices on its iPad and Mac lineups, and has warned of further price hikes in the future. It’s almost certain that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will be more expensive.
Exactly how much longer? It’s hard to know. Some estimates suggest a price increase of up to $300, but Apple could cut prices and hurt margins. We expect the base model iPhone 18 Pro to be priced between $1,199 and $1,399, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max to be priced between $1,299 and $1,499.
This would be a huge price increase that most people would find unbearable, especially when the new iPhone offers little in return for a dramatic price increase.
Need to buy now?
Of course, it’s up to you. Personally, I think the iPhone 17 Pro is almost as good as buying a new phone as the iPhone 18 Pro, and the 17 Pro is cheaper. It’s hard to argue with that.
Apple hasn’t raised the prices of its iPhone lineup yet, so you can still buy the iPhone 17 Pro for $1099 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max for $1199. If you have an older iPhone and are looking to upgrade, it’s probably best to buy last year’s iPhone, even if it’s later in the release cycle.
This AI datacenter-driven memory crisis is likely to last for several more years, so it will be a while before prices for Apple products start to rebound. Please act accordingly.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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