Apple’s next big phone, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, is set to launch in September 2026. Leaks and rumors are already coming out fast. If you live in Pakistan and plan to buy this phone, here is what you need to know, in plain and simple words.
What’s new in the iPhone 18 Pro
New chip: The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to get Apple’s A20 Pro chip. It will be made using TSMC’s 2-nanometer process, which is a newer and smaller chip technology than before. This should mean better speed and battery life.
New camera feature: The Pro Max may get a variable aperture camera. This lets the camera open wider in dark places and close down in bright light. Right now, the iPhone 17 Pro camera has a fixed aperture, so this would be a real change.
Smaller Dynamic Island: Some leaks say Apple could shrink the Dynamic Island cutout on the screen, and move some Face ID parts under the display glass.
New colors: Leakers on Chinese social media are talking about new color options, though nothing is confirmed by Apple yet.
Launch timing: Reports say Apple may also launch its first folding iPhone around the same time, while the regular (non-Pro) iPhone 18 could move to a spring 2027 launch instead of September.
None of this is confirmed by Apple. These are rumors from leakers and industry insiders, so treat them as likely, not certain, until Apple’s official event.
Will the price go up?
This is the part that worries most buyers, including in Pakistan. A rumor from the Chinese platform Weibo claims the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost more than $1,600 in the US. Apple has not said anything about pricing yet, and this number is not confirmed.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in June 2026 that rising costs for parts and manufacturing have made price increases hard to avoid. Apple has been absorbing some of these costs so far, but that may not continue forever.
A recent survey by PhoneArena asked iPhone users how they would react to a big price hike:
- More than half (about 56%) said they would keep using their current iPhone longer instead of buying on day one.
- About 20% said they would buy the new Pro Max no matter the price.
- Around 17% said they might switch to an Android phone if prices go too high.
- Only about 6% said they would settle for the regular iPhone 18 instead of the Pro Max.
The main lesson here: most buyers plan to wait and watch, not rush to buy.
What this means for buyers in Pakistan
Pakistan does not get an official Apple price on launch day. Prices here depend on import cost, PTA tax, and the exchange rate. As an example, the current iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) costs around Rs. 559,000 to Rs. 565,000 for a PTA-approved unit. On top of that, buyers pay a separate PTA tax to register the phone for use on Pakistani networks. This tax is around Rs. 204,955 if you register with a passport, and around Rs. 225,450 if you register with a CNIC.
If the iPhone 18 Pro Max launch price rises in the US, the Pakistan price is likely to rise too, since it is based on the US price plus import duties, PTA tax, and dealer margins. Buyers who plan to import the phone through PTA should also expect this tax to add a large amount to the final cost.
Simple tips before you decide
- Don’t rush. Wait for Apple’s official event in September before trusting any price number.
- Check PTA tax rates at the time of purchase, since these can change.
- Compare with your current phone. If your iPhone 16 or 17 Pro still works well, there is no rush to upgrade right away.
- Watch official sources, not just social media leaks, once Apple starts sending event invites.
