How Much Will the iPhone 18 Cost in Australia?

It's almost iPhone season again, and the to be launched iPhone 18 and its cost is already sparking debate in Australia. The new models are expected to bring hardware upgrades, but the biggest question for many shoppers is whether those changes will come with a higher price tag. Current rumours suggest the Pro models could be significantly more expensive than the previous generation, while the standard iPhone 18 may not arrive until 2027.

Apple has not confirmed the final Australian pricing yet, so any figures currently available should be treated as estimates. This guide will tell you what the latest reports suggest about the iPhone 18 price, why costs are rising, and when Australians could buy it.

Expected iPhone 18 Price in Australia (All Models)

The iPhone 18’s exact price won’t be known until Apple’s official announcement, but current leaks offer a useful guide for buyers planning their budget.

If you’re checking the expected iPhone 18 price or iPhone 18 Pro Max price, rising RAM and storage costs could push prices higher. While Apple has kept prices relatively stable in recent years, increased production costs may make the iPhone 18 more expensive.

iPhone 18 Models Expected Price in Australia

Based on current leaks and estimates, the expected starting prices in Australia are:

*These are only estimates based on current reports. Apple will confirm the official Australian prices when the iPhone 18 range is announced.

Why Will the iPhone 18 Cost More?

The biggest concern about the iPhone 18 Pro price is that it may rise significantly from the iPhone 17 Pro. Former Apple CEO and current executive chairman Tim Cook previously discussed the pressure that rising memory and storage costs could place on Apple’s products. However, Apple has not confirmed that these costs will result in a specific iPhone 18 price increase.

1. Rising Memory Costs

   Demand for RAM and storage has increased as companies invest heavily in AI infrastructure, putting pressure on global memory supplies and driving up component costs.

   The iPhone 18 is expected to feature 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the iPhone 17. (The iPhone 17 Pro already has 12GB, so this upgrade applies to the standard model, not the Pro.) If memory prices remain high, this upgrade could increase Apple’s production costs and potentially push up prices across the iPhone 18 range.

2. More Expensive Chip Manufacturing

   Reports suggest the A20 Pro could use a 2nm manufacturing process, which may be more expensive to produce than the 3nm chips used in previous generations. Moving to a newer manufacturing process can increase production costs, which affects the Apple iPhone 18 cost in Pro variants.

3. New Hardware and Camera Components

   The Pro models are also expected to get camera upgrades that could increase production costs. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumoured to feature a larger 1/1.12-inch main sensor, up from 1/1.28-inch on the iPhone 17 Pro, along with a variable-aperture system. These upgrades could contribute to a higher iPhone 18 Pro price.

4. Australian Pricing Factors

   The final Apple iPhone 18 cost in Australia will depend on more than component costs. Most goods sold in Australia include 10% GST, while currency movements and Apple’s regional pricing strategy can also affect the final price. This means a price increase in the US does not automatically translate to the same increase in Australia.

iPhone 18 Release Date in Australia: When Can You Buy?

Knowing the iPhone 18 release date and price is just as important as knowing the expected cost. Australian buyers will have to wait for Apple's official announcement before they can confirm the exact RRP.

According to the latest reports, Apple is likely to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in 2026, with the regular iPhone 18 coming later in 2027. If this schedule is accurate, Australian buyers may see different models arrive at different times.

Once Apple announces the relevant models, Australian buyers should have a much clearer picture of:

• Official Australian pricing
• Storage options
• Pre-order dates
• Retail availability
• Which models will launch first

If you want to follow the reported features, changes, and launch developments surrounding Apple's next generation, read our guide to the latest iPhone 18 rumours.

For now, anyone searching for how much the iPhone 18 will cost should treat online price predictions as estimates rather than confirmed figures.

iPhone 18 vs iPhone 17: Should You Wait or Buy Now?

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to bring upgrades such as more RAM, a faster chip, and improved cameras, but these could come at a higher price. If you want the latest features, it may be worth waiting. If value matters more, the iPhone 17 Pro could be the better choice.

For a closer look at the expected iPhone 18 vs iPhone 17 upgrades, release timeline, and other key changes, check out our latest iPhone 18 rumours guide.

Will Older iPhones Become Cheaper After the iPhone 18 Launch?

If the new generation arrives with a higher price, older iPhones could become more appealing to buyers looking for better value. The iPhone 17 is likely to be the main model Australian shoppers compare with the iPhone 18. Retailers may offer discounts on remaining stock when a new generation arrives, although there is no guarantee of a particular price reduction.

So, when will iPhone prices drop? There is no fixed date. Discounts depend on retailer promotions, stock levels, and demand. Apple may also change which previous-generation models it continues to sell directly. Retailers can then become more important for finding offers on older devices. If you're wondering whether iPhone prices will drop after the iPhone 18 launch, it is worth comparing actual retailer prices rather than waiting for a specific discount. If you're planning to upgrade, you can also sell your iPhone to help offset the cost of a newer model.

The same applies to whether iPhone prices go down over the longer term. Previous-generation models can become cheaper, but the timing and size of any discount vary. Selling your phone before upgrading can also help you get more value from your existing device, particularly while it still has strong resale demand.

The Final Word on iPhone 18 Pricing

While the price of the iPhone 18 in Australia remains unclear until Apple officially releases its pricing, there are reports that some may be higher than the previous versions. The Pro, Pro Max, and Fold can get the most significant updates, with the standard version likely to stay the more affordable choice.

If you're planning to upgrade, it may be worth waiting for the official Australian prices and comparing them with the iPhone 17 once the new range arrives. If the new iPhone 18 price is higher than expected, you don't necessarily have to compromise on the iPhone experience. A refurbished iPhone may provide a more affordable option if you're willing to opt for a previous-generation device. When looking for your next iPhone upgrade, explore the Mobile Guru’s iPhone collection to compare models and choose the best one for your budget.