Apple Eyes September iPhone 18 Launch With $1,299 Pro as Leaks Point to Foldable Ultra
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Jul 16
Apple Eyes September iPhone 18 Launch With $1,299 Pro as Leaks Point to Foldable Ultra
3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jul 16
Summary
September is the expected window for Apple to unveil the iPhone 18, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, with a rumored foldable Ultra potentially joining the lineup as its first foldable phone.
A massive hack exposing thousands of internal Apple documents has accelerated leaks around the iPhone 18 Pro, including supplier and testing details, while Apple still has not officially previewed the devices.
$1,299 is the Wall Street Journal's estimated starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro, up $200 from last year, after Tim Cook warned increases were unavoidable and memory components reportedly rose by $150.
12GB RAM across the lineup, new A20 and A20 Pro chips, a C2 modem and possible 5G satellite support are among the main rumored upgrades, alongside brighter displays and smaller design tweaks.
Camera changes remain a focal point: reports point to variable aperture on the 18 Pro, batteries above 5,000mAh on premium models, and a thicker Pro Max, while Apple prepares the phones to ship with iOS 27.
With rising prices and new AI fees, is the iPhone becoming a luxury subscription service?
Will new CEO John Ternus shift Apple's focus from iconic hardware to AI-driven software and services?
Is Apple's partnership with Google a strategic masterstroke or a sign it's losing the AI race?
The 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Crisis: Tata Electronics Data Leak, Supply Chain Security, and Unprecedented Price Increases
Overview
In June 2026, Tata Electronics, a key Apple supplier, suffered a major cyberattack that led to the leak of sensitive iPhone 18 Pro documents. The breach, first reported by AppleInsider, raised serious concerns about the security of Apple’s supply chain and the risk of exposing proprietary product designs. The hacker group World Leaks claimed responsibility, having previously targeted other major brands, but the authenticity of the leaked data remains unconfirmed. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of global tech supply chains to cyber threats and the urgent need for stronger security measures.