Brace yourself for a potential iPhone 18 price hike, but here's a twist! Apple might just have a clever plan to soften the blow for some of us.
According to a Korean tipster, yeux1122, who cites reports from analysts at Citigroup, Bank of America, and J.P. Morgan, a price increase for the iPhone 18 series is on the cards. But the intriguing part is that Apple might only increase prices for certain models, leaving the most popular ones untouched.
So, what does this mean for iPhone enthusiasts? Well, if Apple decides to be generous, they could absorb the profit hit for all iPhone 18 versions, not just the cheapest ones. However, a more likely scenario is that they'll keep the prices unchanged for the most sought-after models, offering a compromise that might just keep some fans happy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Will this rumored act of benevolence be enough to win back users who've already decided against an upgrade this year? Probably not, especially for those who've accepted that 2027 isn't the year to splurge on a new iPhone, no matter how desirable it may be.
For those still considering an upgrade, the 256GB edition of your preferred model might be the smartest choice. If you're a heavy user, it might be worth exploring cloud storage or a small external SSD to manage your photos and files efficiently.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch this September, along with the highly anticipated iPhone Fold. The basic iPhone 18, however, might take a bit longer, with rumors suggesting an early 2027 release, accompanied by the iPhone Air 2, as part of Apple's new split iPhone launch strategy.
So, will Apple's rumored pricing strategy work in their favor? Will it encourage upgrades or further push users away? Let's discuss in the comments!
Stay tuned with Tom's Guide for the latest news, reviews, and analysis on all things iPhone.
More from Tom's Guide:
- iOS 26 Preview: Unveiling 7 exciting features for your iPhone's newest app
- iPhone Fold specs revealed: How does it stack up against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8?
- My love-hate relationship with the Mac mini M4's power button
Written by Richard, our London-based tech expert, who's always brewing the perfect cup of coffee when he's not covering the latest in phones, tablets, and gaming.