Apple is expected to unveil its new generation of iPhones next month, with the iPhone 18 Pro series and its first-ever foldable iPhone taking centre stage. While we are hearing a lot of whispers about what could be inside the new flagships, there are also concerns about a possible price hike. Due to ongoing memory and storage costs surging, Apple has already increased prices of its MacBooks and iPads. Now the iPhone 18 series could be next in line to take the hit.
Apple has kept the starting price of its iPhone line-up pretty much the same over the last few years. However, the latest Counterpoint Research report suggests that could change this year, with Apple potentially using a storage based pricing strategy and higher-capacity models seeing bigger price increases. The report says Apple could decide how much of the higher component costs it passes on to buyers, while absorbing some of the increase through pricing changes, services and other cost-saving measures.
Apple is Expected to Launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Models in September
iPhone enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for September. There are speculations that Apple may launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9. The company has not yet provided any official information about the launch, but leaks and reports have given a fairly clear picture of the upgrades expected in the new iPhone models.
From the design and battery to the chipset and camera setup, Apple is reportedly planning updates across almost every major component of the upcoming models. Let’s take a look at the new features and upgrades that could arrive with the iPhone 18.
Apple iPhone 18 Design
Apple is not expected to make any major changes to the design of its upcoming Pro models, but several refinements are anticipated. The new models are likely to be launched in Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, Light Blue, and Silver color options.
Talking about the rear design, the company may redesign the Ceramic Shield area around MagSafe to give it a more seamless finish. In addition, the Pro Max model is expected to be thicker than the current iPhone 17 Pro Max. The increased thickness is reportedly being attributed to a larger battery pack.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to retain the overall design language of their predecessors, but several refinements are reportedly in the works. The most noticeable change could be a smaller Dynamic Island, enabled by moving some Face ID components beneath the display.
iPhone 18 Display
The upcoming models are not expected to see any change in display size. The iPhone 18 Pro is likely to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could come with a 6.9-inch display. However, Apple may introduce changes to the underlying display technology. Rumors suggest that the new models could feature LTPO+ display technology, which may offer improved power efficiency and higher brightness.
Beyond the display itself, another major change could be seen on the front of the new iPhones, particularly with the Dynamic Island. Apple is reportedly working on moving Face ID components under the display, which could significantly reduce the size of the Dynamic Island and provide a more seamless screen experience.
iPhone 18 Pro Max is Expected to Feature a Next Generation 2nm Chip
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature a next-generation 2nm chip. The smaller manufacturing process could bring improvements in both power efficiency and performance. This could directly benefit demanding tasks such as gaming, AI features, video editing, and sustained high-performance usage. Current reports suggest that the A20 Pro could be Apple’s first 2nm iPhone chip, potentially offering significant efficiency and performance gains over the previous generation.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to be powered by the A20 Pro chipset. The processor is reportedly built using TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process, which could deliver better performance while consuming less energy. The same chipset is also rumored to power Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
However, this new technology could also become a reason for an increase in the phone’s price. In addition, rising prices of memory components such as DRAM and NAND could further increase Apple’s production costs. The impact could be particularly noticeable in higher-storage variants, which require more memory components. Recent reports also point to rising memory costs putting additional pressure on the iPhone 18 Pro’s bill of materials.
Camera System on the iPhone 18 Pro Max Could be the Biggest Upgrade This Time
When it comes to the camera, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to receive one of the biggest upgrades yet. Apple has traditionally used fixed-aperture camera systems, but the upcoming iPhones are rumored to feature a 48MP primary camera with a variable aperture. This would allow users to control the amount of light entering the lens while taking photos, providing greater control over exposure and depth of field.
According to reports, Apple may introduce variable-aperture technology in the main camera. With this technology, the camera lens can adjust its aperture according to the shooting conditions, allowing greater control over the amount of light entering the lens.
A wider aperture can help more light reach the sensor in low-light conditions, while adjusting the aperture in different situations can provide better control over depth of field and exposure. In other words, instead of simply increasing the megapixel count, Apple may be looking to make the camera hardware more advanced and versatile.
There is also speculation about a larger aperture for the telephoto camera. If these changes make it into the final model, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could offer improved photography and video-recording capabilities compared with the previous generation.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Could Also Receive a Major Battery Upgrade
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could also see a major battery upgrade. Some reports claim that the eSIM-only model could feature a 5,567mAh battery. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is reported to have a 5,088mAh battery in its eSIM-only version.
If this information proves accurate, the new model could offer nearly 500mAh of additional battery capacity. This could translate into longer battery life, particularly benefiting users who frequently engage in video streaming, gaming, photography, and continuous 5G usage. Recent regulatory filings reportedly point to a 5,567mAh battery for the eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro Max, compared with 5,088mAh for the equivalent iPhone 17 Pro Max.
However, the larger battery could also affect the phone’s design. Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could weigh more than 240 grams. This means users may get a slightly heavier and potentially thicker phone in exchange for longer battery life.
The actual battery capacity of models sold in India may vary depending on the SIM configuration, as different variants could have different battery capacities.
iPhone 18 Model is also Expected to Receive a Major Upgrade in Terms of Connectivity
According to reports, Apple may offer satellite-based 5G connectivity in these models. This means users could access internet services even when Wi-Fi or mobile network coverage is unavailable. This feature could prove especially useful in emergency situations. Along with this, Apple may also introduce the C2 modem to improve connectivity, offering faster 5G speeds, better signal strength, and improved battery efficiency.
The iPhone 18 Could be Priced at Over ₹1.6 Lakh in India
The 256GB storage variant of the iPhone 17 Pro Max was launched in India at a starting price of ₹1,49,900. Therefore, Apple could potentially maintain a similar price for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but doing so may require the company to absorb part of the increased component costs.
Based on current reports, the expected price of the 256GB model could start at around ₹1,49,900 and go up to ₹1,74,900 or more. If there is a modest price increase, it could be priced between ₹1,54,900 and ₹1,59,900. In a higher-cost scenario, the price could potentially reach ₹1,64,900 to ₹1,69,900.
However, all these figures are estimates. They should not be considered confirmed information until Apple officially announces the price. GST, import duties, the rupee’s exchange rate, local manufacturing, and Apple’s pricing strategy could all influence the final price.
