Archive · 10 Sep 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Prices Vary Widely Across Global Markets
Apple has announced two new expensive phones: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
India has some of the highest listed prices for these phones.
The United States has the lowest advertised prices among the markets compared.
Canada, the UAE, Japan and China are also cheaper than India.
However, US prices do not include local sales taxes.
US models also do not have a slot for a physical SIM card.
Apple may limit warranty repairs to the country where the phone was bought.
The phones cost more partly because their memory components and new processor are more expensive.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India, while the Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900.
The United States is listed as the cheapest market, at $1,199 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max before sales tax.
Canada, the UAE, Japan and China are the next most affordable markets compared with India.
US models are eSIM-only, while Canadian, UAE and Indian models retain physical SIM support.
Apple cited higher component costs, including memory chips and its new 2-nanometre A20 Pro chip, behind the price increases.
- Who
- Apple and buyers comparing iPhone 18 Pro prices internationally.
- What
- Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with different prices across countries.
- When
- Apple unveiled the phones at its annual September keynote on Wednesday; pre-orders were scheduled for Saturday, September 12, with store sales beginning September 18.
- Where
- The comparison covers India, the United States, Canada, the UAE, Japan and China.
- Why
- Prices differ because of taxes, duties, exchange rates and rising component and manufacturing costs.
Buy Abroad for Lower Prices
Buy Locally for Fewer Trade-Offs
Upfront price
Buy Abroad for Lower Prices
The United States, Canada, the UAE, Japan and China offer lower converted prices than India, with potential savings of up to ₹50,000.
Buy Locally for Fewer Trade-Offs
India has higher listed prices, but buying locally avoids the practical complications of importing the phone.
SIM compatibility
Buy Abroad for Lower Prices
Buyers who do not need a physical SIM may consider US models, which are eSIM-only.
Buy Locally for Fewer Trade-Offs
Buyers who frequently change physical nano-SIM cards may prefer Indian, UAE or Canadian models.
Warranty support
Buy Abroad for Lower Prices
An overseas purchase can reduce the initial price, especially before applicable taxes.
Buy Locally for Fewer Trade-Offs
Apple reportedly restricts hardware warranty service to the country of purchase, making a local purchase potentially simpler for repairs.
- India starting prices
- ₹1,64,900 for the iPhone 18 Pro and ₹1,79,900 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- Cheapest listed market
- The United States, at $1,199 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max before sales tax.
- UAE pricing
- AED 5,099 for the Pro and AED 5,499 for the Pro Max.
- India price increase
- The iPhone 18 Pro is ₹30,000 more expensive in India than the iPhone 17 Pro, according to the article.
- US sales tax
- Advertised US prices exclude state and local taxes, generally reported as 6% to 10% in most states.
- SIM differences
- US models are eSIM-only; Canadian, UAE and Indian models retain physical SIM slots alongside eSIM support.
- Warranty limitation
- Apple restricts iPhone hardware warranty service and repairs to the country where the device was originally purchased.