Apple is preparing for its flagship smartphone release this autumn, with industry reports pointing toward a September debut for the upcoming iPhone 18 series. However, prospective buyers and market analysts may need to brace for higher prices across the lineup, driven by rising hardware manufacturing costs.

Surging Production Costs and Potential Price Increases

According to analysis from market research firm TrendForce, the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost for the iPhone 18 Pro is projected to jump by nearly 40%. The steep rise in component expenses creates a challenging landscape for Apple, which may have to absorb part of the cost and sacrifice profit margins to maintain strong shipment volumes.

Despite potential margin adjustments, consumers could still face higher retail prices. A report from 91mobiles indicates that Apple plans to raise prices by USD 100 across all old and new iPhone models in conjunction with the launch of the iPhone 18 series.

September Release Window and Retail Preparations

Strong market demand continues to drive Apple's target timeline for a September release for the iPhone 18 Pro, according to reporting from Forbes. Internal preparations for the debut are already taking shape within the tech giant's retail network.

Bloomberg reported that Apple is gearing up for the September event by organizing a retail employee lottery, standardizing staffing and engagement ahead of the launch surge.

Expected Upgrades

In addition to pricing adjustments, hardware enhancements remain a central focus for the upcoming release. Reports from The Economic Times indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature five major changes, marking a key hardware evolution for Apple's premium smartphone segment.