iPhone 18 Pro could cost $200 more, IDC analyst warns

Key Takeaways

• IDC now predicts up to $200 price increases for iPhone 18 Pro models, up from an earlier $100 estimate
• Apple's recent iPad and MacBook price hikes of up to $300 triggered the revised forecast
• iPhone 18 Pro Max could reach $1,299-$1,399, translating to roughly ₹20,000 more in India

Apple's next flagship phones may carry a steeper price tag than anyone expected. IDC analyst Nabila Popal now predicts the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could see price increases of up to $200, double the firm's earlier $100 estimate. The revision comes after Apple raised prices on iPads and MacBooks by as much as $300 on certain configurations.

If accurate, this pushes the iPhone 18 Pro into the $1,200-$1,300 range and the Pro Max toward $1,299-$1,399. For Indian buyers, that translates to roughly ₹20,000 more than current models, though local pricing depends on import duties, currency fluctuations, and Apple's regional strategy.

Why IDC changed its forecast

Popal, Senior Director of Data & Analytics at IDC, pointed directly at Apple's recent hardware refreshes as the catalyst. The Mac and iPad price increases, she argued, signal a new willingness to push premium pricing further across the product line.

“In our forecast, we had assumed a price hike of $100 to Pro and Pro Max models, and $50 hike to base models. However, seeing the price hikes today to iPad and Macs going as high as $300 for some models, my personal instinct says the hike to iPhones may be even higher than what we assumed. Perhaps even $200 to the Pro/Pro Max models. I think the days of $50 price increases are over.”

— Nabila Popal, IDC Senior Director of Data & Analytics

The iPhone 17 Pro currently starts at $1,099 (₹1,34,900 in India), while the Pro Max begins at $1,199 (₹1,49,900). A $200 bump would represent an 18% increase for the Pro and 17% for the Pro Max. That is aggressive even by Apple's standards.

A foldable iPhone could absorb some cost pressure

IDC also expects Apple to release a foldable iPhone this year, with an average selling price around $2,500. Higher storage variants could reach $3,000. The premium positioning of a foldable device might give Apple room to absorb increased memory and component costs without passing all of it to the standard Pro lineup.

This is speculative, but the logic holds. Apple has used its product mix before to balance margins. A $3,000 foldable makes a $1,300 Pro look almost reasonable by comparison.

What hardware changes justify the price?

Reports suggest Apple is planning meaningful upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The Dynamic Island may shrink by about 35% as Apple moves more Face ID components under the display. The A20 Pro chipset, built on a 2nm process, promises up to 15% faster performance and 30% efficiency gains over the current generation.

The camera system is where Apple may make its strongest case. A mechanical variable-aperture lens for the primary 48MP sensor would let users control how much light enters based on shooting conditions. This is genuinely useful tech. It improves low-light photography and creates more natural background blur in portraits without relying entirely on software.

Display sizes stay the same: 6.3 inches for the Pro, 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. The triple 48MP rear camera setup also carries over. So the visible changes are the smaller notch, new chip, and variable-aperture lens. Whether that justifies $200 more depends on how much you shoot photos and how you value incremental processor gains.

The broader pricing context

Smartphone average selling prices have been rising industry-wide as unit sales decline. Manufacturers, Apple included, focus on premium segments where margins are stronger. Samsung's Galaxy S Ultra line has crept up in price. Google's Pixel Pro models now start at $999. The floor for flagship phones keeps rising.

Apple's recent hardware pricing moves suggest the company believes its customer base will absorb higher costs. The iPad and MacBook increases tested that theory. If sales hold, expect the iPhone to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the iPhone 18 Pro cost?

IDC estimates the iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,200-$1,300, up from the iPhone 17 Pro's $1,099 starting price. This represents a potential $100-$200 increase.

When will Apple release the iPhone 18 Pro?

Apple typically announces new iPhones in September. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected in Fall 2025, following Apple's established release pattern.

Why is Apple raising iPhone prices?

IDC attributes the expected increase to rising component costs, particularly for memory and new technologies like the 2nm A20 Pro chip and variable-aperture camera lens. Apple's recent iPad and Mac price hikes suggest broader pricing strategy shifts.

How much will iPhone 18 Pro cost in India?

If the $200 US price increase holds, Indian pricing could rise by approximately ₹20,000. However, actual pricing depends on import duties, currency rates, and Apple's regional strategy.

What new features will iPhone 18 Pro have?

Expected upgrades include a 35% smaller Dynamic Island, A20 Pro chip on 2nm process, and a mechanical variable-aperture camera lens for improved low-light and portrait photography.

Source: mint / Aman Gupta