According to Chinese leaker Smart Pikachu, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may launch in China at around CNY 11,000, equivalent to roughly USD 1,625 before taxes and local distribution costs.

If accurate, the rumored starting price would represent one of the largest increases ever for Apple's Pro Max series and place the device in an entirely new premium pricing tier in many markets.

Analysts caution, however, that the figure remains speculative and has not been confirmed by Apple.

Foldable iPhone Ultra may cost $2,500

The expected price increase may not stop with the Pro Max.

Apple's first foldable iPhone - widely rumored to carry the iPhone Ultra branding - could reportedly launch at around USD 2,500, according to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

If the prediction proves accurate, the foldable model would become the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever released, reflecting its positioning as an ultra-premium flagship designed to compete with the highest-end foldable smartphones.

Rising component costs driving pressure

Industry reports point to two major factors behind the potential price increases.

The first is Apple's expected A20 Pro processor, which is rumored to be manufactured using TSMC's advanced 2-nanometer process.

While the new technology is expected to deliver notable improvements in performance and energy efficiency, semiconductor industry estimates suggest production costs could rise by more than 20% compared with previous-generation chips.

The second factor is the sharp increase in memory prices.

Demand for DRAM and NAND storage driven by AI data centers, cloud infrastructure and high-end consumer electronics has reportedly pushed component costs significantly higher.

Some industry reports estimate memory costs have more than doubled in recent years, making storage one of the fastest-rising expenses in smartphone manufacturing.

Maintaining Apple's traditionally strong profit margins may therefore require higher retail prices for future flagship devices.

A new launch strategy?

Current rumors suggest Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Ultra together during its traditional September launch event in 2026.

More affordable models - including the iPhone 18e and a new-generation iPhone Air - are reportedly being delayed until spring 2027, potentially marking a shift in Apple's product release schedule.

Whether the rumored prices materialize remains uncertain.

However, if accurate, Apple's next flagship lineup could signal a new era of substantially higher pricing across its premium iPhone portfolio.

Hai Phong