Apple Raises iPhone Prices Across the Lineup, Including Older Models

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, Apple introduced new high-end iPhones, but the bigger news for many was the price hikes. According to Macworld, the new iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 for the 256GB model, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max tops out at $2,499 for 2TB of storage. These prices are higher than the models they replace, and the increases extend beyond the new flagships.

Apple has raised the starting price of every iPhone by $100, with steeper jumps for higher storage tiers. For instance, moving from the base storage to 2TB on the iPhone 18 Pro Max costs an additional $599. The iPhone 16 also saw a price increase, and the Plus model, which previously started at $799, has been discontinued.

Even models that were not updated at the event are now more expensive. The iPhone 17 now starts at $899, and the iPhone 17e is priced at $699. These increases come after Apple raised prices for Macs and iPads in June but left iPhone prices unchanged at that time. The expectation was that Apple would wait until the new iPhone release to adjust prices, which it has now done.

For consumers, the higher prices mean that upgrading to the latest iPhone—or even buying an older model—costs more than before. The new Pro models offer improvements, but the question is which of these enhancements are meaningful in daily use and whether they justify the extra cost. Without detailed specifications or hands-on testing, it's difficult to assess the practical benefits. However, the price hikes are clear and affect a wide range of devices.

The discontinuation of the Plus model also changes the lineup, leaving a gap between the standard and Pro models. This could push some buyers toward the Pro models or the older iPhone 17, depending on their needs and budget.

Apple's pricing strategy appears to be part of a broader trend of increasing prices across its product lines. The memory crunch mentioned by Macworld suggests that component costs may be a factor, but Apple has not confirmed the reasons behind the increases. For now, consumers face higher prices for both new and older iPhones, and the value proposition of each model will depend on individual priorities.

As always, those considering an upgrade should weigh the features that matter most to them against the higher cost. The new Pro models may appeal to users who need the latest camera or performance improvements, while the iPhone 17 or 17e could be sufficient for others. But with every model now more expensive, the decision requires a closer look at what each device offers.