iPhone 18 Pro Max launch soon with 7 big upgrades, huge India price hike rumoured
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to bring major upgrades, including a new 2nm A20 Pro chip, improved cameras, satellite-powered 5G connectivity and more. However, these changes could come at a steep cost, with rumours suggesting a price jump of up to Rs 20,000 in India.

Apple’s next big flagship is still a few weeks away, but rumours around the iPhone 18 Pro Max have already started building excitement. The upcoming Pro models are expected to arrive in September with seven major upgrades, including a faster chip, improved cameras, better connectivity and a possible design refresh.
While the overall look may remain close to the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could bring some important changes under the hood. However, the biggest surprise for Indian buyers could be the price, with reports suggesting that Apple may increase the cost of its top-end iPhone by up to Rs 20,000.
iPhone 18 Pro Max expected launch timeline
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the first half of September, with sales expected to begin later the same month. Alongside these models, Apple is also rumoured to introduce its first foldable iPhone, possibly called the "iPhone Ultra."
The standard iPhone 18, a more affordable iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air are tipped to arrive later, possibly in March 2027.
iPhone 18 Pro Max price in India could jump by Rs 20,000
The iPhone 17 Pro Max currently starts at Rs 1,49,900 in India. According to rumours, Apple could raise the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max to around Rs 1,59,900 or even Rs 1,69,900.
A leak from tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at around CNY 11,000 in China, which translates to roughly Rs 1.56 lakh. If true, it would become Apple’s most expensive non-foldable iPhone yet.
In the US, reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro could be priced between $1,099 and $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost between $1,299 and $1,499. Some rumours claim Apple may increase prices by as much as $200, while others suggest the company could absorb some costs to keep pricing closer to the current generation.
Why could iPhone 18 Pro Max become more expensive?
Apple’s possible price hike could be a result of increasing production expenses. The biggest contributor is expected to be the new A20 Pro chip, which may be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. Since this is a newer and more advanced chip-making technology, it is likely to cost more than the 3nm process used for current-generation iPhones.
Apart from the processor, rising memory costs could also add pressure on the final price. Components like DRAM and NAND storage have become more expensive, increasing the overall cost of building high-end smartphones.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Full list of upgrades (leaked)
-The iPhone 18 Pro models could feature a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple is reportedly working on moving parts of the Face ID system under the display, allowing more screen space and a less noticeable cutout.
-The iPhone 18 Pro series is likely to debut with Apple’s A20 Pro processor, built on TSMC’s 2nm technology. The chip could bring improvements in speed, AI performance and power efficiency compared to the A19 Pro.
-The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera could get a variable aperture system. This would allow users to control how much light enters the lens and offer more control over depth effects while capturing photos.
-Apple is reportedly preparing a new C2 modem for the iPhone 18 Pro models. One expected upgrade is support for 5G connectivity through satellites, which could allow internet access in areas without traditional cellular networks.
-The Pro models are expected to continue with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screen sizes but may use upgraded LTPO+ display technology. This could improve battery efficiency and overall display performance.
-The iPhone 18 Pro Max could get a larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rumours suggest the battery capacity may increase by nearly 10 per cent, though Apple has not confirmed any details. It is rumoured to pack a 5,567mAh battery in eSIM models and 5,391mAh for global Nano-SIM variants.
-The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could introduce a new Dark Cherry colour option, along with Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver finishes. Apple may discontinue the existing Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue shades. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also said to be slightly thicker than the current model, possibly to accommodate a bigger battery and upgraded hardware.
-Apple has not officially revealed any details about the iPhone 18 series yet, so these specifications and prices should be treated as rumours until the company makes an announcement.
Apple’s next big flagship is still a few weeks away, but rumours around the iPhone 18 Pro Max have already started building excitement. The upcoming Pro models are expected to arrive in September with seven major upgrades, including a faster chip, improved cameras, better connectivity and a possible design refresh.
While the overall look may remain close to the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could bring some important changes under the hood. However, the biggest surprise for Indian buyers could be the price, with reports suggesting that Apple may increase the cost of its top-end iPhone by up to Rs 20,000.
iPhone 18 Pro Max expected launch timeline
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the first half of September, with sales expected to begin later the same month. Alongside these models, Apple is also rumoured to introduce its first foldable iPhone, possibly called the "iPhone Ultra."
The standard iPhone 18, a more affordable iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air are tipped to arrive later, possibly in March 2027.
iPhone 18 Pro Max price in India could jump by Rs 20,000
The iPhone 17 Pro Max currently starts at Rs 1,49,900 in India. According to rumours, Apple could raise the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max to around Rs 1,59,900 or even Rs 1,69,900.
A leak from tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at around CNY 11,000 in China, which translates to roughly Rs 1.56 lakh. If true, it would become Apple’s most expensive non-foldable iPhone yet.
In the US, reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro could be priced between $1,099 and $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost between $1,299 and $1,499. Some rumours claim Apple may increase prices by as much as $200, while others suggest the company could absorb some costs to keep pricing closer to the current generation.
Why could iPhone 18 Pro Max become more expensive?
Apple’s possible price hike could be a result of increasing production expenses. The biggest contributor is expected to be the new A20 Pro chip, which may be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. Since this is a newer and more advanced chip-making technology, it is likely to cost more than the 3nm process used for current-generation iPhones.
Apart from the processor, rising memory costs could also add pressure on the final price. Components like DRAM and NAND storage have become more expensive, increasing the overall cost of building high-end smartphones.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Full list of upgrades (leaked)
-The iPhone 18 Pro models could feature a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple is reportedly working on moving parts of the Face ID system under the display, allowing more screen space and a less noticeable cutout.
-The iPhone 18 Pro series is likely to debut with Apple’s A20 Pro processor, built on TSMC’s 2nm technology. The chip could bring improvements in speed, AI performance and power efficiency compared to the A19 Pro.
-The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera could get a variable aperture system. This would allow users to control how much light enters the lens and offer more control over depth effects while capturing photos.
-Apple is reportedly preparing a new C2 modem for the iPhone 18 Pro models. One expected upgrade is support for 5G connectivity through satellites, which could allow internet access in areas without traditional cellular networks.
-The Pro models are expected to continue with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screen sizes but may use upgraded LTPO+ display technology. This could improve battery efficiency and overall display performance.
-The iPhone 18 Pro Max could get a larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rumours suggest the battery capacity may increase by nearly 10 per cent, though Apple has not confirmed any details. It is rumoured to pack a 5,567mAh battery in eSIM models and 5,391mAh for global Nano-SIM variants.
-The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could introduce a new Dark Cherry colour option, along with Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver finishes. Apple may discontinue the existing Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue shades. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also said to be slightly thicker than the current model, possibly to accommodate a bigger battery and upgraded hardware.
-Apple has not officially revealed any details about the iPhone 18 series yet, so these specifications and prices should be treated as rumours until the company makes an announcement.
Apple’s next big flagship is still a few weeks away, but rumours around the iPhone 18 Pro Max have already started building excitement. The upcoming Pro models are expected to arrive in September with seven major upgrades, including a faster chip, improved cameras, better connectivity and a possible design refresh.
While the overall look may remain close to the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could bring some important changes under the hood. However, the biggest surprise for Indian buyers could be the price, with reports suggesting that Apple may increase the cost of its top-end iPhone by up to Rs 20,000.
iPhone 18 Pro Max expected launch timeline
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the first half of September, with sales expected to begin later the same month. Alongside these models, Apple is also rumoured to introduce its first foldable iPhone, possibly called the "iPhone Ultra."
The standard iPhone 18, a more affordable iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air are tipped to arrive later, possibly in March 2027.
iPhone 18 Pro Max price in India could jump by Rs 20,000
The iPhone 17 Pro Max currently starts at Rs 1,49,900 in India. According to rumours, Apple could raise the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max to around Rs 1,59,900 or even Rs 1,69,900.
A leak from tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could start at around CNY 11,000 in China, which translates to roughly Rs 1.56 lakh. If true, it would become Apple’s most expensive non-foldable iPhone yet.
In the US, reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro could be priced between $1,099 and $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost between $1,299 and $1,499. Some rumours claim Apple may increase prices by as much as $200, while others suggest the company could absorb some costs to keep pricing closer to the current generation.
Why could iPhone 18 Pro Max become more expensive?
Apple’s possible price hike could be a result of increasing production expenses. The biggest contributor is expected to be the new A20 Pro chip, which may be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. Since this is a newer and more advanced chip-making technology, it is likely to cost more than the 3nm process used for current-generation iPhones.
Apart from the processor, rising memory costs could also add pressure on the final price. Components like DRAM and NAND storage have become more expensive, increasing the overall cost of building high-end smartphones.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Full list of upgrades (leaked)
-The iPhone 18 Pro models could feature a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple is reportedly working on moving parts of the Face ID system under the display, allowing more screen space and a less noticeable cutout.
-The iPhone 18 Pro series is likely to debut with Apple’s A20 Pro processor, built on TSMC’s 2nm technology. The chip could bring improvements in speed, AI performance and power efficiency compared to the A19 Pro.
-The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera could get a variable aperture system. This would allow users to control how much light enters the lens and offer more control over depth effects while capturing photos.
-Apple is reportedly preparing a new C2 modem for the iPhone 18 Pro models. One expected upgrade is support for 5G connectivity through satellites, which could allow internet access in areas without traditional cellular networks.
-The Pro models are expected to continue with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screen sizes but may use upgraded LTPO+ display technology. This could improve battery efficiency and overall display performance.
-The iPhone 18 Pro Max could get a larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rumours suggest the battery capacity may increase by nearly 10 per cent, though Apple has not confirmed any details. It is rumoured to pack a 5,567mAh battery in eSIM models and 5,391mAh for global Nano-SIM variants.
-The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could introduce a new Dark Cherry colour option, along with Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver finishes. Apple may discontinue the existing Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue shades. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also said to be slightly thicker than the current model, possibly to accommodate a bigger battery and upgraded hardware.
-Apple has not officially revealed any details about the iPhone 18 series yet, so these specifications and prices should be treated as rumours until the company makes an announcement.