Apple's next-generation flagship phones are already making headlines months before launch. While the company has not officially confirmed the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, multiple industry leaks suggest the premium models could arrive in September 2026 with significant camera upgrades, a powerful new chipset and possibly higher prices.

If the latest reports are accurate, buyers in the US may have to pay more than ever for Apple's top-end smartphones.

ALSO READ: Coffee lovers, is drinking up to 5 cups a day actually good for your heart?

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max expected price in the US

The biggest talking point surrounding the upcoming lineup is pricing.

Several reports suggest Apple could either maintain last year's pricing or introduce a noticeable increase due to rising component costs, especially for memory and AI hardware. Analysts remain divided, making the final pricing uncertain until Apple's official announcement.

Expected US prices (rumoured):

Model Expected starting price

• iPhone 18 Pro Around $1,099-$1,299
• iPhone 18 Pro Max Around $1,299-$1,499

Some reports predict Apple could increase prices by as much as $200, while others believe the company may absorb higher manufacturing costs and keep prices similar to the current generation.

ALSO READ: Weather today, July 21

Why could the iPhone 18 Pro cost more?

According to analysts, several premium upgrades may push manufacturing costs higher. Expected improvements include:

• Next-generation A20 Pro chipset
• Advanced AI features
• New camera hardware
• Improved battery technology
• Faster connectivity components
• Higher memory costs across the industry

These factors could lead to one of Apple's biggest flagship price revisions in years, although nothing has been confirmed officially.

Massive camera upgrade may be coming

Photography enthusiasts could have plenty to look forward to. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max may debut a Sony IMX905 primary camera sensor along with a variable aperture, allowing users to physically adjust how much light enters the lens.

Unlike software-generated background blur, a variable aperture can improve:

• Low-light photography
• Natural depth of field
• Dynamic range
• Portrait photography
• Overall image quality

If the leak proves accurate, it would mark one of Apple's biggest camera hardware upgrades in recent years.

A20 Pro chip could deliver a major performance leap

Apple is also expected to introduce the A20 Pro processor for the Pro lineup.

The chipset is rumoured to be built using an advanced 2nm manufacturing process, which could bring:

• Better battery efficiency
• Faster processing
• Improved graphics performance
• Enhanced AI capabilities
• Better thermal management

The new chip is expected to power Apple's next wave of on-device artificial intelligence features.

Expected iPhone 18 Pro specifications

Based on current leaks, here's what buyers may get:

• 2nm A20 Pro processor
• Variable aperture camera (Pro Max)
• Sony IMX905 primary sensor
• Improved battery life
• Smaller Dynamic Island
• Enhanced satellite connectivity
• Apple Intelligence features
• Premium titanium design
• iOS 27 (expected)

Most of these details remain based on leaks and supply-chain reports, with Apple yet to officially reveal the devices.

Expected launch timeline

Apple traditionally unveils its flagship iPhones during its September event, and the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is widely expected to follow the same schedule.

Industry watchers believe Apple could announce the devices in September 2026, followed by pre-orders shortly after and retail availability within weeks.

Should you wait for the iPhone 18 Pro?

If the rumours turn out to be accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro series could deliver meaningful upgrades in photography, AI performance, battery life and processing power.

However, prospective buyers should remember that Apple has not officially confirmed the pricing, specifications or launch date. Until the company unveils the phones, every reported feature and price should be treated as speculation based on leaks and analyst estimates.