Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro next month, but anyone planning to upgrade soon has a harder choice than usual because the new models are widely expected to cost much more than the current iPhone 17 Pro lineup.
The iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,299 and $1,399, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost between $1,399 and $1,499. That would represent a $200 to $300 increase over the current starting prices of the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
For most buyers, that makes the iPhone 17 Pro the better value right now, especially if you are upgrading from an iPhone that is already several years old and want a strong performance boost without paying next-generation pricing.
iPhone 18 Pro Expectations
Current rumors point to several upgrades, although none appears large enough to justify the expected price increase for every buyer.
- A20 Pro chip with improved performance and efficiency
- Main camera with variable aperture support
- Smaller Dynamic Island on both Pro models
- New light blue, silver, and dark cherry colors
- Apple C2 modem with improved connectivity
- Thicker and heavier iPhone 18 Pro Max design
- The same 12GB of RAM expected on the iPhone 17 Pro
Apple will also likely discontinue the iPhone 17 Pro after announcing its replacement, which means current stock could become harder to find even if third-party retailers continue selling it.
There is also a late rumor that Apple could increase iPhone 17 prices before the iPhone 18 launch, so the current value advantage depends on pricing staying unchanged. If you need a new phone now, the iPhone 17 Pro remains the smarter purchase at its current price.
Discussion