We've been hearing rumors about Apple's next flagship phone for months, and everything points to the iPhone 18 Pro being one of the most important releases of the year. Amid leaks about prices, dates, and specifications, Spanish users are wondering if it's worth waiting or if it's better to buy now. The truth is that the information coming from various analysts and media outlets agrees on several key points, although with nuances that should be clarified.
The Cupertino company hasn't officially confirmed anything, but the trickle of information is constant. The main focus is on the price , which could rise significantly compared to the previous generation, and on a launch strategy that breaks with tradition: this year we'll only see the most expensive models in September, while the basic iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2 are delayed until 2027. Let's break down everything that's known so far.
Price increase confirmed by analysts
Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities is the latest to put figures on the table: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could cost between $250 and $300 more than their current counterparts, which start at $1.099 and $1.199 respectively. According to Pu, the reason lies in the increased cost of 2-nanometer processors and memory, both RAM and storage. This estimate comes in addition to IDC's, which a month ago predicted a price increase of up to $200, and the Wall Street Journal's, which placed the Pro's starting price at $1.399.
Manufacturing costs have also skyrocketed. TechInsights estimates that the 12GB of RAM in the iPhone 18 Pro costs Apple around $145 , compared to $39 in the previous model, and the 256GB of storage jumps from $13 to $51. In total, the production cost would be 25% higher, around $726. To maintain a 44% gross margin, Apple would have to sell the device for around $1.299, although if it adds camera or material upgrades, it could approach $1.399.
In Spain, the direct conversion from dollars to euros isn't automatic. Apple applies taxes, regional costs, and its own pricing policies, so a price of $1.299 doesn't necessarily translate to €1.299 . Some estimates place the price of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max at around €1.469, although nothing is official yet. What is certain is that the company already raised prices on Macs, iPads, and other products in June, and the iPhone could be next.
Staggered release: Pro only in September
This year Apple is breaking with its usual pattern. According to multiple sources, only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the highly anticipated foldable iPhone Ultra will be unveiled in September . The standard models (iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e) are being delayed until spring 2027. The decision stems from two factors: component shortages and the need to avoid saturating the market with six devices simultaneously.
The supply chain is under pressure due to the demand for memory chips for artificial intelligence. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are struggling to keep up with demand, and Apple is facing higher prices and limited availability of RAM and storage . Tim Cook has already acknowledged that the company had to raise prices "reluctantly" on other products and expects to pay even more for memory next quarter. Staggering product launches allows for better negotiation and helps avoid logistical collapse.
Furthermore, marketing also plays a role. With the iPhone Ultra as the main attraction, focusing all the attention on the Pro models and the foldable phone prevents the basic iPhone 18 from being overshadowed. The event is expected to take place on Tuesday, September 8th or Wednesday, September 9th, with pre-orders starting on the 11th and the phones arriving in stores on September 18th, according to Bloomberg.
The most anticipated new features: battery, camera and chip
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will see the most significant changes. According to regulatory documents, the battery capacity will reach 5.567 mAh in its eSIM version , compared to 5.088 mAh in the previous model. The increase in thickness (0,25 mm) and weight (approximately 7 grams) is due to this larger battery in the iPhone 18 Pro Max . The iPhone 18 Pro also sees an increase in battery capacity, reaching 4.288 mAh. Energy efficiency will be enhanced by the LTPO+ display and the new 2-nanometer A20 chip, which promises 15% better performance and 30% improved efficiency.
In terms of photography, the biggest innovation is the variable aperture on the main lens , which will allow users to adjust the amount of light entering the camera depending on the conditions. This improves control over depth of field and image quality in low-light environments. The telephoto lens will also gain aperture, and the rear module will be 2 mm thicker to accommodate the new sensors. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg calls this leap "the biggest in camera hardware in years," highlighting the variable aperture cameras.
The Dynamic Island is reduced by 35% (from 20,7 mm to 13,5 mm), although under-display Face ID won't arrive until a later generation. The rear design abandons the two-tone finish for a uniform aesthetic, and new colors are expected for the iPhone 18 Pro, such as cherry, light blue, and silver. The A20 Pro chip, manufactured by TSMC using 2nm technology , will integrate RAM, CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine into a single package, improving speed and reducing latency for artificial intelligence tasks.
Another significant change is Apple's C2 modem, which will replace Qualcomm's in most countries, except the United States where 5G mmWave support will be maintained. This reduces reliance on third-party providers and improves energy efficiency. Taken together, all these improvements suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be Apple's most complete device, albeit also its most expensive.
With the launch just around the corner, those considering upgrading their phone would be wise to wait a few weeks. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will bring significant improvements in battery life, camera, and performance, but also a price tag that could exceed €1.500 in Spain. The final decision will depend on whether these improvements justify the expense, especially considering that the standard iPhone 18 won't arrive for several months. What is clear is that Apple is committed to segmenting its high-end range like never before, and consumers will have to choose between the latest and the most balanced options.
