iPhone 18 Pro Series Price Leak: Apple May Keep 2026 Pro Models at Same Price

In a year when everything from groceries to gadgets is getting more expensive, Apple might actually surprise us. The iPhone 18 Pro Series is now tipped to launch at the same price as last year’s Pro models, despite rising memory and component costs.

Yes, you read that right.

According to fresh research notes from Haitong International analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is aiming to keep pricing “unchanged” or at least at a similar level as the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. That’s a bold move in 2026, especially when DRAM and NAND prices are climbing due to AI data centre demand.

Let’s break down what’s happening.

iPhone 18 Pro Series Price Strategy

In the US, the iPhone 17 Pro launched at $1,099, while the Pro Max started at $1,199. In India, prices began at Rs. 1,34,900 and Rs. 1,49,900 respectively.

Now, if reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Series will stick to those numbers.

Why would Apple do that when costs are rising?

Because Apple is reportedly negotiating “favourable” memory chip deals with giants like Samsung and SK Hynix. The company is also said to be trimming expenses on display and camera modules.

This is classic Apple: control costs quietly so customers don’t feel the pain.

And this is the right move. After multiple years of price anxiety around flagship phones, consumers need stability. Keeping prices flat could be a strategic masterstroke ahead of the holiday season.

iPhone 18 Pro Series Design Changes

The iPhone 18 Pro Series isn’t just about pricing. Leaks suggest three noticeable design updates:

• A more unified rear glass finish

• A smaller Dynamic Island

• New bold colour options

Reports indicate Apple may minimise the colour difference between the rear glass and frame, giving it a cleaner and more premium look. Personally, this feels overdue. The two-tone design experiment divided users last year.

Even more interesting? The Dynamic Island may shrink by nearly 35 percent, thanks to partial under-display Face ID components. That means more screen and less distraction.

Apple isn’t removing the feature entirely,  just refining it. And that’s very Apple.

iPhone 18 Pro Series Performance Upgrade

Under the hood, things get serious.

The iPhone 18 Pro Series is expected to feature the new A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process. If true, this could deliver around 15% faster performance and up to 30% better energy efficiency.

That’s not a small bump. It’s a generational leap.

This power boost will likely support more advanced on-device AI features, reducing reliance on cloud processing. With AI becoming central to smartphones in 2026, Apple can’t afford to lag here.

iPhone 18 Pro Series Battery and Camera

Battery upgrades are also making headlines.

Reports suggest the following details:

• Chinese variant: 5,000mAh battery

• Global variant: 5,100–5,200mAh battery

If that pairs with a 2nm efficiency gain, we could be looking at the longest battery life ever on an iPhone Pro.

On the camera side, the Pro Max may introduce a mechanical variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/2.8) on its 48MP sensor. That’s DSLR-style control in a smartphone, and it’s not just marketing fluff. This would give users real control over depth and light intake.

For creators and mobile photographers, this is huge.

iPhone 18 Pro Series Launch Timeline

The iPhone 18 Pro Series is expected to debut in September 2026, possibly alongside Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone.

Interestingly, reports suggest Apple may delay the standard iPhone 18 to 2027, focusing entirely on Pro models for the initial launch window.

That’s a premium-first strategy, and  it shows where Apple’s profit margins lie.

Smart Pricing Could Win 2026

Let’s be clear. Apple doesn’t reduce prices out of kindness. If the iPhone 18 Pro Series launches at last year’s price, it’s because the company aggressively negotiated behind the scenes.

But for consumers? That’s a win.

Flat pricing combined with a 2nm chip, Bigger batteries, Cleaner design and Advanced camera mechanics.

That’s value, at least in flagship terms.

In a market flooded with incremental upgrades and rising costs, this feels refreshingly strategic.