Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models could see India prices rise ahead of Sept. 9 event

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on Sept. 9. NDTV Profit reports that higher memory costs could push estimated India launch prices to Rs 1.40-1.45 lakh for the Pro and Rs 1.55-1.60 lakh for the Pro Max, versus iPhone 17 Pro-series launch prices of Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.50 lakh.

— Source publishedSat, 5 Sept, 2026, 19:00 IST·First seen Sat, 5 Sept, 2026, 19:29 IST·Source NDTV Profit

What happened

Apple is expected to unveil iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and possibly its first foldable on September 9. Higher memory costs could lift India launch prices, with the

Key facts

  • September 9
  • iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch display
  • iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
  • 120Hz
  • 48MP triple rear cameras
  • 18MP front camera
  • Pro Max zoom: 6x; Pro zoom: 5x
  • A20 Pro: 2nm process
  • Estimated 20% higher performance
  • Estimated 33% lower power draw
  • US Pro Max battery: 5,567mAh versus 5,088mAh
  • Expected US price increase: $100-$150
  • iPhone 17 Pro India launch price: Rs 1,34,900
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max India launch price: Rs 1,49,900
  • Estimated iPhone 18 Pro India price: Rs 1,39,900-Rs 1,44,900
  • Estimated iPhone 18 Pro Max India price: Rs 1,54,900-Rs 1,59,900

Why this matters

The expected memory-cost-driven price lift reinforces the strategic value of financing, trade-in and carrier partnerships that can preserve premium-device affordability and upgrade momentum in India.

What to watch

  • Official India MSRP, storage-tier configuration and India availability announced at the Sept. 9 event.
  • Whether the Pro starts at higher base storage, which could soften the perceived price increase.
  • Launch-week bank cashback, no-cost EMI tenure, exchange bonus and carrier-style bundle offers.
  • Pre-order delivery windows, retailer sell-through commentary and online search interest versus iPhone 17 Pro launch.
  • Rupee movement, memory-component pricing and any import-duty or local-assembly policy changes affecting subsequent pricing.
  • Discounting intensity for iPhone 17 Pro inventory and competing Samsung, Google and Chinese-brand flagships.
  • Protect Pro conversion with aggressive trade-in guarantees, monthly-EMI messaging and bank-offer bundles rather than broad list-price discounting.
  • Secure adequate iPhone 17 Pro inventory for value-seeking buyers while avoiding excess carryover stock ahead of the iPhone 18 launch.
  • Segment launch allocations toward metros, premium malls and online customers with high exchange and financing adoption.
  • Prepare accessory, AppleCare and premium-plan bundles to preserve total basket value even if handset unit velocity softens.
  • Monitor Android flagship brands for tactical price freezes, storage upgrades or trade-in subsidies designed to exploit the widened Pro-iPhone price gap.