iPhone 18 estimated to launch in U.S. starting at $799, with Pro models facing price hikes

While Apple has yet to officially unveil the iPhone 18, industry estimates are already projecting its potential cost in the United States. The most common forecast places the standard model's starting price around $799, a figure that mirrors the iPhone 17's launch price. For configurations with 256GB of storage, the estimated cost remains $799, while a 512GB version could reach $999.

These figures, however, are preliminary projections based on analyst insights and supply chain reports. Apple could adjust the pricing before the official announcement. Concerns about rising component costs, especially for memory modules, have been publicly acknowledged by Apple CEO Tim Cook, though he did not specify which models might be affected.

The outlook for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models suggests a more substantial price hike. Analyst Jeff Pu anticipates an increase of $250 to $300 for the Pro models, potentially bringing the starting price to between $1,349 and $1,399, compared to the previous generation's $1,099. The Pro Max could start between $1,449 and $1,499.

Other analyses offer slightly different predictions. The Wall Street Journal, in collaboration with TechInsights, estimated the Pro model might start at $1,299, with $1,399 being a more probable price. These potential increases are attributed to factors such as an estimated 38% year-on-year rise in component costs for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro, with memory being a significant driver. Additionally, advancements like a variable aperture camera, potentially 50% more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro's main camera, and the new 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip are expected to contribute to higher manufacturing costs.