Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to cost up to ₹30,000 more in India

Reports cited by NDTV Profit suggest Apple could raise India prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by ₹20,000–₹30,000, amid higher component and manufacturing costs. A September 12 unveiling is also rumoured, but specifications, timing and pricing remain unconfirmed.

— Source publishedFri, 31 Jul, 2026, 22:09 IST·First seen Fri, 31 Jul, 2026, 22:34 IST·Source NDTV Profit

What happened

Apple is rumoured to raise India prices for iPhone 18 Pro models by Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000, citing component and manufacturing costs. Reports also point to a

Key facts

  • India price increase: Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000
  • Current iPhone Pro starting price: Rs 1,34,999
  • Current iPhone Pro Max starting price: Rs 1,49,900
  • Estimated US price increase: up to $200
  • Pro display: 6.3 inches
  • Pro Max display: 6.9 inches
  • Potential Pro Max battery: 5,200mAh
  • Dynamic Island reduction: roughly 35%

Why this matters

If confirmed, the increase could widen the price gap with Android flagships, creating partnership and ecosystem opportunities for rivals targeting aspirational buyers priced out of Apple’s Pro tier.

What to watch

  • Apple's official India launch pricing and storage-tier configuration at the expected September event.
  • Whether the base Pro price, Pro Max price or only higher-capacity variants show a significant increase.
  • Launch-week bank cashback, trade-in values, no-cost EMI tenure and retailer-specific incentives.
  • Rupee-dollar movement and any renewed component-cost commentary from Apple or major semiconductor and memory suppliers.
  • India shipment mix between new Pro models, standard iPhone models and older-generation inventory during the festive quarter.
  • Availability and pricing of locally assembled units versus imported configurations.
  • Use trade-in bonuses, bank partnerships and no-cost EMI to narrow the effective-price gap for Pro buyers without discounting the official MRP.
  • Keep prior-generation Pro devices in channel inventory longer as a step-down option for consumers priced out of the new flagship.
  • Emphasise premium camera, AI and performance features in launch marketing to justify a higher price ladder rather than compete on value.
  • Increase financing and upgrade-program messaging at Apple retail, authorised resellers and e-commerce partners ahead of the festive sales period.
  • Competitors in the ₹70,000-₹120,000 Android segment are likely to target the widened price gap with launch offers, exchange bonuses and premium-spec comparisons.