iPhone 18 Pro Max could be Apple’s priciest non-foldable phone at over $1,600 - VnExpress International

What the report says

VnExpress International reported that Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at about US$1,625, which would make it Apple’s highest-priced non-foldable smartphone if the figure proves accurate. The report, published July 26, cited a Weibo claim by Chinese tipster Smart Pikachu and coverage by PhoneArena, saying the China starting price could be 11,000 yuan. VnExpress noted that this would be around $400 above the U.S. starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The article said the possible price increase is being linked in reports to higher component and production costs. In particular, Apple’s expected A20 Pro chip is said to use Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s advanced 2-nanometer process, while memory prices are also rising across the smartphone supply chain. VnExpress also cited analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s estimate that Apple’s first foldable iPhone, widely referred to in reports as the iPhone Ultra, could reach as much as $2,500.

VnExpress further reported that alleged iPhone 18 Pro design images emerged after a June 29 cyberattack involving Apple manufacturing partner Tata Electronics in India, citing MacRumors. The reported images showed a silver-gray device with a more consistent rear finish, more prominent camera lenses and a reflective Apple logo.

The report said Apple may also change its launch cadence. The iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and foldable Ultra are expected in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air are reportedly planned for spring 2027. Apple has not confirmed these details.