Apple reportedly plans September launch for iPhone 18 Pro models; new leak hints at imminent iPhone 17 price hike as Japan, India see increases
Counterpoint ResearchIDCApple Inc.

Apple reportedly plans September launch for iPhone 18 Pro models; new leak hints at imminent iPhone 17 price hike as Japan, India see increases

Apple is set to launch its iPhone 18 Pro models in September, while recent leaks suggest an imminent price hike for the iPhone 17, which has already seen an 11.3% increase in Japan. Similar price adjustments are anticipated in India due to rising component costs.

Gadgets 36010 August 2026 · 07:11 UTC
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Apple is reportedly planning to launch its iPhone 18 Pro models in September, as leaks indicate a potential price hike for the iPhone 17. The standard iPhone 17 has already seen an 11.3% price increase in Japan, with further adjustments expected in India due to rising component costs.6

According to a tipster, Fixed Focus Digital, rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 price revision could take effect on August 10. The company has also raised prices for various products in India, with some items increasing by as much as Rs. 1 lakh.34

The price hikes are attributed to an unprecedented rise in DRAM and NAND flash storage prices, driven by growing demand for AI infrastructure. A previous report indicated that the iPhone 17's price could increase by Rs. 12,000, raising the 256GB model from Rs. 82,900 to Rs. 94,990.7810

A Counterpoint Research estimate suggests that the price of the iPhone 18 Pro could approach $900, compared to roughly $550 for the equivalent iPhone 17 Pro Max. Meanwhile, IDC has predicted a price increase of up to $200 compared to current models, primarily driven by higher NAND storage and DRAM costs.911

Key Insight
“The price hikes are attributed to an unprecedented rise in DRAM and NAND flash storage costs, driven by AI infrastructure demand. Counterpoint Research estimates the iPhone 18 Pro Max could approach $900, up from roughly $550 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while IDC predicts increases of up to $200.”
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“Apple has already raised iPhone prices in Japan, with the standard iPhone 17 becoming 11.3 percent more expensive.”
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EARLIER IN THE STORY:
Apple reportedly plans September launch for iPhone 18 Pro, with Wednesday, Sept. 9 expected; demand drives timing
ForbesForbes
Apple reportedly plans September launch for iPhone 18 Pro, with Wednesday, Sept. 9 expected; demand drives timing

Apple is set to launch the iPhone 18 Pro on Wednesday, Sept. 9, based on manufacturing cycles, consumer buying habits, and global trade logistics.

AirpodsAppleApple Launch
2026-08-10
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Apple is set to launch the iPhone 18 Pro in early September, with the expected date of Wednesday, Sept. 9, based on manufacturing cycles, consumer buying habits, and global trade logistics.
  • The traditional launch in the second week of September gets a wrinkle this year due to Labour Day on Monday, Sept. 7, so Apple is citing Wednesday, Sept. 9 for the launch, which will also be the first major event for incoming CEO John Ternus, who takes over from Tim Cook on Sept. 1.
  • Choosing September as the initial sales peak allows Apple to monopolize freight capacity before earnest holiday shipping begins.
  • As the average iPhone owner comes out of contract at the end of September, Apple presents a new iPhone just as the decision point is reached, a point emphasised by carriers looking to secure another long-term contract.
  • Apple has several subscription services boosting the average revenue per user over a new iPhone’s lifetime, and new iPhones typically come with a free month’s trial for new users.
  • Key products hang off the smartphone, such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and a companion iPad, and Apple’s products and retail strategies are all built around the same early September reveal as the iPhone.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to launch mid-September; Caviar previews features and unveils five limited editions from $10,060
NotebookcheckNotebookcheck
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to launch mid-September; Caviar previews features and unveils five limited editions from $10,060

Caviar has published a preview page for the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to be unveiled in mid-September, highlighting new features such as light blue and dark red color options.

2-Nm ProcessA20 Pro ChipApple
2026-08-09
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be officially unveiled in mid-September.
  • Caviar has published a preview page showcasing the new features of the next-generation flagship smartphones.
  • The preview highlights expected features including new color options, A20 Pro chip (2-nm TSMC), variable aperture camera, and a redesigned touch-sensitive shutter button.
  • Caviar unveiled five limited editions of the iPhone 18 Pro (Max), priced from $10,060 to $12,770, each limited to 18 units.
  • The limited editions are covered in python or crocodile leather and plated with 24-karat gold or finished with a black PVD coating.
  • The limited editions are now available for pre-order.
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