Before the annual launch of new iPhone generations, besides changes in appearance, camera, and chip upgrades, the price is always the most significant concern. Especially with the upcoming iPhone 18 generation, external rumors suggest that Apple might introduce more high-end specifications, including the A20 chip, Apple Intelligence upgrades, variable aperture camera, C2 communication chip, and even potentially the first foldable iPhone.

However, more upgrades also mean potentially higher costs. Recently, foreign media cited analysis from IDC predicting that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could see price increases of up to $200. At current exchange rates, $200 roughly equates to over NT$6,000, leading many to wonder: could the price of the iPhone 18 Pro series in Taiwan approach or even exceed NT$50,000?

Apple has not yet announced the official pricing for the iPhone 18 series, so all related prices are still market speculation. However, considering the current Taiwanese prices of NT$39,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro 256GB and NT$44,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB, if the next-generation Pro series indeed sees a significant price hike, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could very well reach a higher price point.

Will the iPhone 18 Pro really get more expensive?

The price of the iPhone 18 Pro has not yet been officially confirmed, but based on foreign media reports and market analysis, there are indeed rumors of price increases for the Pro series. According to foreign media, analysis firm IDC originally estimated that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max might each see a price increase of about $100, while the standard iPhone 18 might increase by about $50. However, with the continuous rise in costs for memory, storage, and high-end components, the maximum increase for the Pro series could further reach about $200.

In other words, the potential increase in price for the iPhone 18 Pro is not simply because Apple wants to raise prices, but rather because the entire mobile phone industry is facing pressure from rising costs due to AI, memory, chip manufacturing processes, and camera modules. The Pro series, in particular, is Apple's high-end product line featuring the latest technologies, so cost changes are more likely to be reflected in the final selling price.

Could the Taiwanese price really approach NT$50,000?

Based on current Taiwanese prices, the iPhone 17 Pro 256GB is NT$39,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB is NT$44,900. If the iPhone 18 Pro series truly sees a maximum price increase of about $200, it roughly translates to over NT$6,000.

This means that the entry-level iPhone 18 Pro could potentially move from its current price of close to NT$40,000 towards NT$45,000 or more. As for the entry-level iPhone 18 Pro Max, it could potentially move from its current price point of close to NT$45,000, further approaching or even exceeding NT$50,000.

However, the actual Taiwanese price cannot be directly calculated using a proportional increase from the USD price. Apple's pricing in different regions is influenced by exchange rates, taxes, storage configurations, regional markets, and product strategies. Therefore, "approaching NT$50,000" should currently be regarded as a price estimate, not a confirmed official price.

Why might the iPhone 18 Pro get more expensive?

The iPhone 18 Pro might get more expensive, primarily due to several upgrade directions. These upgrades seem to be new features users are anticipating, but for Apple, they might also mean higher component and research and development costs.

1. AI features increase memory demand

In recent years, phones are not just competing on cameras and screens, but have also entered the AI competition. Apple Intelligence, Siri upgrades, and on-device AI computing all require higher memory and stronger chip support.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro series might feature higher capacity RAM to support more advanced AI features. Increased memory capacity, coupled with global AI demand driving up memory and storage component prices, could all lead to higher overall manufacturing costs.

2. A20 chip and new manufacturing process are more expensive

The iPhone 18 Pro series is also expected to feature the new-generation A20 Pro chip, utilizing a more advanced manufacturing process. New processes typically bring better performance and power efficiency, which benefit AI computing, gaming, image processing, and overall daily fluidity.

However, new processes usually incur higher costs during the early stages of mass production. For Apple, the chip is a crucial component of the iPhone's core experience; for consumers, these upgrades might be reflected in the final selling price.

3. Variable aperture camera might push up component costs

The iPhone 18 Pro is also rumored to incorporate a variable aperture camera. This technology allows the lens to adjust the amount of light entering in different lighting conditions, theoretically aiding in night photography, portraits, daytime shooting, and depth-of-field control.

However, if the camera module includes more mechanical structures or higher-end lens components, it will also increase component and assembly costs. For Pro series models, which emphasize imaging capabilities, the camera has always been a significant factor in driving up costs.

4. C2 communication chip and enhanced connectivity

In addition to the A-series processor, the iPhone 18 Pro is also rumored to feature Apple's self-developed C2 communication chip. Unlike the A20, which focuses on performance, the C2 is more geared towards 5G connectivity, signal stability, power efficiency, and future satellite connectivity capabilities.

These types of upgrades might not be immediately noticeable to users, but they can affect the experience of internet usage on the go, hotspot sharing, navigation, streaming, and usage in weak signal environments. As iPhone gradually replaces more core chips with self-developed ones, it also means Apple is investing more deeply in hardware integration, and related R&D costs may be reflected in the product positioning.

5. Foldable iPhone might raise the price bracket for high-end models

Besides the iPhone 18 Pro series, there are also rumors that Apple might launch its first foldable iPhone in the iPhone 18 generation. Foldable screens, hinge structures, dual-screen designs, and more complex body craftsmanship will significantly increase manufacturing costs compared to regular smartphones.

If Apple does indeed release its first Fold, it would likely become the most expensive model in the iPhone product line and could further raise consumer expectations for the price of high-end iPhones. This doesn't mean every iPhone will become equally expensive, but the price ceiling for the high-end product line might be redefined.

If the iPhone 18 Pro gets more expensive, is it still worth waiting for?

If you currently use an iPhone 15, iPhone 16, or a newer model, and your daily activities mainly involve browsing social media, taking photos, watching videos, and sending messages, you might not necessarily need to wait for the iPhone 18 Pro. The performance, camera, and battery life of recent iPhone generations are already more than sufficient for most users.

However, if you are currently using an iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or even an older model, then the upgrades in the iPhone 18 Pro might feel more substantial. Especially AI features, screen brightness, camera performance, battery life, USB-C peripheral support, and MagSafe accessory experience will show a significant difference compared to older models.

If you highly value AI features, photography and videography, extended outdoor use, or want to buy a high-end iPhone that can last for many years, then the iPhone 18 Pro series is still worth considering. But if you are more price-sensitive, the iPhone 17 or previous-generation models after a price drop might be a more practical choice.

Summary: iPhone 18 Pro might be more expensive, but the key is whether it's worth it

Overall, whether the iPhone 18 Pro series will actually see a price increase remains to be confirmed after Apple's official announcement. However, based on current predictions from foreign media and analysis firms, AI features, memory costs, the A20 chip, camera modules, and the C2 communication chip could all contribute to higher costs for the new device.

If a maximum price increase of approximately $200 materializes, the Taiwanese price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max could indeed approach NT$50,000, or even enter a higher price bracket depending on storage capacity. For consumers, this also means that buying an iPhone in the future will not only involve looking at spec upgrades but also evaluating one's budget, usage needs, and whether it's truly necessary to be among the first to get the latest Pro model.

If you seek the latest AI features, the strongest camera, and the most comprehensive high-end experience, the iPhone 18 Pro series will be highly worth paying attention to. However, if you simply want a stable, easy-to-use, and long-lasting iPhone, you might also consider observing price changes for the iPhone 17 or previous-generation models around the time of the new phone launch.

After all, new iPhones are getting more expensive, and what truly matters isn't necessarily buying the latest one, but rather buying the one that best suits your needs, and that you can protect well and use for a long time.