The iPhone Pro has changed significantly since its 2019 launch, but how do 2026 pricing trends compare to its original cost? Over the past seven years, Apple has introduced high refresh rates, MagSafe accessories, and the ubiquitous USB-C port. Smartphone cameras and processors have steadily improved, making them powerhouses for either front. Comparing the base models reveals a clear picture of how expensive things have gotten in the last two years.
The iPhone 11 Pro launched in 2019 at a starting price of $999 for its 64 GB variant. Matching the cost of the iPhone XS, the first 'Pro'-branded device introduced a triple camera setup with wide, ultra-wide, and 2x telephoto lenses. An upgraded Super Retina XDR OLED display improved brightness and doubled contrast from the XS lineup.
It also introduced the custom ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless U1 chip. The iPhone 18 Pro costs $1,199 for the base 256 GB model, a $100 increase over last year's iPhone 17 Pro and a $200 hike over earlier iterations, albeit with significantly higher storage. It brought a faster 2nm A20 Pro processor alongside a variable aperture for its main camera and a smaller Dynamic Island notch.
A larger vapor chamber helps sustained performance for intensive tasks like gaming. A $200 increase is steep, given that the base iPhone 16 Pro was $999 only two years ago. With costs rising across the industry due to high RAM and component prices, Apple's hikes aren't as drastic as the iPad Pros, which went up from $999 to $1,199 in June.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing