Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup and its first foldable iPhone are anticipated to debut at higher prices than initially expected this September. The foldable model is predicted to surpass the $2,000 mark in the U.S., potentially making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date. Estimates suggest the price could even exceed $2,500, with some configurations possibly reaching beyond $3,000. In China, the iPhone 18 Pro series may start at 9,999 yuan, reflecting an approximate 11% increase over the iPhone 17 Pro’s starting price. This price adjustment could translate to a U.S. starting price of around $1,220. The 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max might see an even steeper increase, potentially starting between 10,999 and 11,499 yuan, which could equate to $1,300 to $1,400 in the U.S. The rising costs are attributed to increased expenses in components like DRAM and a new camera system, necessitating higher prices to maintain profit margins. This shift marks a departure from Apple’s usual strategy of absorbing component cost fluctuations without passing them on to consumers.

