Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 series in the second half of 2026, and early pricing leaks suggest that the new phones may not be much more expensive than the current iPhone 17 models. The company appears to be planning to keep the starting price close to the iPhone 17, even though the cost of components is rising.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s current plan is to avoid raising prices as much as possible for the iPhone 18 lineup. He shared on social media platform X that keeping the entry-level price the same or nearly the same as the iPhone 17 could help Apple from a marketing perspective, especially as smartphone buyers are becoming more aware of price.
Why Price Pressure Was Expected
Analysts have warned that the iPhone 18 could become more expensive because Apple faces higher costs for components like the next-generation A20 chip and memory parts. Advanced chips such as those made by Apple’s long-time partner TSMC are in high demand, especially due to growing needs for AI and graphics performance. This increased demand has pushed up prices for some parts.
At the same time, industry-wide shortages of memory components have pushed prices up by 10 to 25 percent compared with last year. Many companies were expected to pass these higher costs on to buyers, but Apple appears to be planning to absorb much of the cost itself rather than raise prices sharply.
How Apple Might Handle Pricing
Instead of increasing prices across all models, Apple may choose to keep the base iPhone 18’s price almost the same as the iPhone 17 and adjust prices only for higher storage versions or premium models. This approach could help Apple attract more buyers while still managing its profit margins.
For comparison, the standard iPhone 17 starts at $799 (around ₹82,999 in India) and has held a similar price despite stronger hardware and more storage compared to older models. If Apple follows a similar strategy, the entry-level iPhone 18 could stay within familiar price range, which would be welcome for many buyers.
What This Means for Buyers
If Apple is successful in holding prices steady, buyers may not experience a large price jump for the new iPhone 18, even though the phones are expected to have stronger performance, better efficiency, and possibly other new features.
This pricing approach may also help Apple stay competitive with Android rivals, which have been offering strong hardware at similar or lower price levels.
What to Expect Next
The iPhone 18 series is still months away from launch. Apple has not confirmed official prices or full specifications yet, and many details remain rumours until the company makes an announcement.
Some reports suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 models could feature design changes, camera upgrades, and better battery performance. Premium versions like the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch first, possibly around September 2026, with standard iPhone 18 models arriving soon after.
For now, early leaks about pricing are reassuring for buyers who hoped to see improvements without a sharp rise in cost.