Apple’s September iPhone launch event tomorrow could look very different this year, with reports suggesting the company may limit the event to its premium models and debut its first foldable iPhone. A new pricing leak ahead of the event from tipster Yogesh Brar claims the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and rumoured foldable (roundup), which he’s referring to as the iPhone Duo, could all set new price points for Apple’s lineup in India.
iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra/Duo prices tipped
According to Brar, the iPhone 18 Pro could start at Rs 1,44,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may cost Rs 1,59,900. The rumoured foldable, which is popularly known as the iPhone Ultra but Brar has referred to as iPhone Duo, is tipped to start at Rs 2,49,900. Meanwhile, the corresponding reported US prices are USD 1,199 (around Rs 1.13 lakh), USD 1,299 (around Rs 1.23 lakh) and USD 2,299 (around Rs 2.17 lakh), respectively.
Read: What will Apple’s first foldable cost in India?
Apple’s Pro prices in India have climbed over the years. The leaked iPhone 18 Pro price would put it Rs 10,000 above the iPhone 17 Pro, which starts at Rs 1,34,900. Notably, Apple’s base Pro pricing has risen from Rs 99,900 for the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019 to Rs 1,34,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro, although there have been fluctuations between generations. However, readers must note that Apple, besides Samsung and Google, were one of the rare OEMs that did not raise smartphone prices mid-cycle due to the memory crisis.
The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to bring a few hardware changes and new finishes, including the A20 Pro chip based on a 2nm process and a smaller Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could additionally get a variable aperture 48MP main camera, which may give users more control over light and depth of field.
Coming to the iPhone Ultra/Duo, Brar says it may start at Rs 2,49,900 in India. At that price, it would sit well above Samsung’s foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at Rs 1,79,999 in India, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at Rs 1,99,999. That makes the Galaxy Z Fold8 the more sensible buy for someone who wants a foldable but is watching their budget. Apple’s model would instead be aimed at iPhone users willing to pay a sizeable premium to get a folding phone without leaving the iOS ecosystem.
Reports suggest the foldable could feature a wide design similar to Samsung’s Fold series, with a 7.6-7.8-inch inner OLED display and a 5.3-5.5-inch cover display, both with 120Hz ProMotion.
The pricing could also reflect the wider memory shortage, which is reportedly pushing Apple towards higher-margin models for its September launch. If Brar’s estimate is correct, the iPhone Duo would become Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet, while the Pro Max remains the safer choice for buyers who want the latest iPhone hardware without paying the foldable premium.
Apple could unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable at its September 9th event, while the standard iPhone 18 and next iPhone Air may arrive later. The foldable could also go on sale after the Pro models because of supply constraints.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Images
| Expected Price: | N/A |
| Release Date: | (Expected) |
| Variant: | 12 GB RAM |
| Phone Status: | Upcoming Phone |
