Global carrier leaks and market intelligence suggest high price points for Apple's upcoming flagship devices.
Ahead of Apple's September 9 launch event, international carrier and retail leaks reveal expected pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro series and the new foldable iPhone Ultra, pointing to a $2,000-plus cost for the foldable model.
AI-generated summary
Apple has scheduled a product launch event for September 9, where new iPhone models are expected to be unveiled.
Appleās scheduled September 9 launch event is less than a week away and ahead of the unveiling, retail leaks from international carriers have surfaced online, offering a preview of what buyers may pay for the flagship iPhone 18 Pro series and Appleās first-ever foldable iPhone, expected to debut as the iPhone Ultra. The leaks suggest that while standard Pro shoppers may encounter relatively modest price increases, those waiting for Apple's foldable screen will need to shell out a lot of money.
Foldable iPhone Ultra price: Global carrier data hints at $2,000-plus cost
Initial speculation estimated the foldable iPhone Ultra could retail between $2,000 (roughly Rs 1.89 lakh) and $2,500 (roughly Rs 2.36 lakh) in the US. Recent international listings, however, suggest final pricing will likely land at the higher end: Vodafone Egypt reportedly displayed the iPhone Ultra at 155,750 Egyptian pounds (around Rs 2.89 lakh). Meanwhile, an Australian carrier leak cited an AUD 3,699 sticker price (around Rs 2.52 lakh). Moreover, other global price leaks suggest that in the US market, the phone may be available at a price point of $1,999 starting price (roughly Rs 1.88 lakh), while market intelligence firm TrendForce projects a marginally higher baseline of $2,099 (about Rs 1.98 lakh). Prospective buyers should remember that local Indian retail prices generally run higher than direct currency conversions from US pricing. This means that Appleās foldable will enter the market above Googleās Pixel 11 Pro Fold ($1,899 / Rs 1,86,999 in India) and Samsungās Galaxy Z Fold 8 ($1,899.99 / Rs 1,79,999 in India). It would align closely with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which sells for $2,099.99 (Rs 1,99,999 in India) with upgraded cameras, displays, AI features and battery tech.
iPhone 18 Pro series price: Modest adjustments expected
For conventional smartphone buyers, the price adjustments for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max look well within reach. Leaked figures from Egypt list the devices at 98,000 and 105,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 1.95 lakh), reflecting an increase of roughly 10 to 11% over previous generations. If replicated in the US, it points to a $100 upward revision, placing the iPhone 18 Pro at roughly $1,099 (around Rs 1.03 lakh) and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,299 (around Rs 1.23 lakh). TrendForce models a slightly steeper bump between $149 and $200 (roughly Rs 14,000 to Rs 19,000). At an estimated $1,299, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would match the starting price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
AI outlook ā possibilities, not facts
Apple will hold its product launch event on September 9.
Very likely Ā· Within days
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