The next iPhone lineup arrives in September with a shifted schedule. The base model iPhone 18 is delayed until spring, leaving the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a new foldable iPhone as the fall releases. Headlining features include a smaller Dynamic Island, variable aperture main camera, new color options (including red), and Apple's first C2 modem on a Pro model enabling 5G satellite connectivity.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker with a larger battery, paired with the A20 Pro (first 2nm chip) and N2 networking chip. Both Pro models retain 12GB RAM. Camera Control gets redesigned to reduce accidental triggers. However, significant price hikes loom—Apple has already raised iPad and Mac prices, and estimates suggest up to a $300 increase. The base iPhone 18 Pro could land between $1199 and $1399, with the Pro Max between $1299 and $1499.

Given the modest upgrades and steep pricing, buying an iPhone 17 Pro today at $1099 (or Pro Max at $1199) remains the smarter value. With AI-driven memory costs keeping prices elevated for years, waiting offers little advantage. Michael of 9to5Mac recommends acting accordingly.