Report: iPhone 18 Pro may start above ¥220,000 in Japan as memory costs surge

September 5, 2026

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Summary

- Reports ahead of Apple’s Sept 9 event (Sept 10 in Japan) suggest iPhone 18 Pro prices could rise 10–20% year-on-year. - MacRumors, citing TrendForce, estimates $1,249–$1,299 for iPhone 18 Pro and $1,349–$1,399 for Pro Max—about ¥220,000–¥250,000 in Japan. - That’s roughly ¥25,000–¥35,000 higher than current iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max starting prices in Japan. - Memory costs tied to the AI boom are the main driver; TrendForce says Apple may still absorb part of the increase. - A foldable “iPhone Ultra” is projected at $2,099–$2,299, with top tiers possibly above $3,000. - TrendForce also expects the standard iPhone 18 to arrive later, potentially spring 2027, with a similar 10–20% rise. - In Japan, prices are tax-inclusive; strong 5G networks, eSIM portability, and trade-ins help buyers manage total cost. - Japan remains a powerhouse iPhone market, with Apple Pay transit (Suica/PASMO) and carrier bundles adding everyday value. - Want the confirmed numbers? They’ll be revealed at the event—tap through for the full breakdown and Japan-specific tips.

Apple’s next flagship iPhones could get more expensive—and Japan is watching closely. Ahead of Apple’s Special Event on September 9 (Japan time: September 10), U.S. outlet MacRumors has relayed new projections from Taiwan-based research firm TrendForce suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro line will see a notable price increase versus last year’s models. If accurate, the rise would bring starting prices for Pro models into the low-to-mid ¥200,000s in Japan, underscoring how global component inflation—and especially memory costs—are reshaping premium smartphone pricing.

How much could prices climb?

TrendForce’s latest market view points to a 10–20% year-on-year rise for the iPhone 18 series. Applying that range to Apple’s Pro lineup, MacRumors estimates the iPhone 18 Pro could land at $1,249–$1,299 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,349–$1,399. Based on indicative conversions informed by Apple Japan’s past pricing alignment with the U.S. store, that translates to roughly ¥220,000–¥230,000 for the Pro and around ¥230,000–¥250,000 for the Pro Max. For context, the current iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 (¥194,800 in Japan) and the 17 Pro Max at $1,199 (¥214,800), implying an increase on the order of ¥25,000–¥35,000 if forecasts hold.

Why the jump? Memory is the big story

TrendForce cites a sharp rise in memory prices—driven by AI data center demand—as the leading factor. The firm expects memory used in 256GB Pro models to face a near 400% year-on-year cost surge by Q3 2026, pressure that can’t be fully offset through other component negotiations. In August, TrendForce also estimated the overall bill of materials for a 256GB iPhone 18 Pro could be up about 38% year-on-year. Even so, with consumer spending tempered by global economic uncertainty, TrendForce believes Apple may shoulder part of the increase to protect market share, moderating the final hike.

What it means for buyers in Japan

Japan remains one of Apple’s strongest markets—iPhones consistently account for more than half of smartphones in use nationwide. Local pricing typically reflects currency trends and includes Japan’s 10% consumption tax, making price tags here directly comparable at checkout. If the forecasts prove accurate, Japanese buyers should expect higher sticker prices but also continued strength in Japan-specific features that add daily value: Apple Pay’s deep integration with Suica and PASMO for transit, robust 5G coverage from NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile, and convenient installment options from both carriers and Apple Store locations. For newcomers and expats, eSIM support and straightforward number portability make switching providers simple—valuable tools for keeping monthly costs in check when device prices rise.

Japan’s resale culture and the longevity of Apple devices can also help blunt upfront costs. Trade-in programs via Apple and carriers typically offer competitive valuations, and many buyers opt for 24- or 36-month payment plans. Given the potential increase, shoppers may want to compare carrier bundles, confirm unlocked model support for their preferred bands, and review AppleCare+ options before preorders open.

Foldable “iPhone Ultra” on the horizon?

TrendForce also projects Apple’s first foldable iPhone—informally dubbed “iPhone Ultra”—could debut from $2,099–$2,299, with top storage configurations potentially exceeding $3,000. Should a foldable arrive, Japan’s vibrant early-adopter community and strong premium-phone appetite suggest meaningful local interest, even at elevated prices.

Standard iPhone 18 timing—and what to watch

In a notable twist, TrendForce expects the non-Pro iPhone 18 models to skip this event and arrive later—potentially in spring 2027—with similar 10–20% price lifts when they do appear. As always, the only numbers that matter are the ones Apple reveals on stage. Watch for confirmed pricing at Apple’s September 9 event (September 10 in Japan), followed by rapid updates on the Apple Japan website and carrier preorder details. If past cycles are any guide, Japanese consumers will be among the world’s first to secure units—and to test how well Apple balances higher component costs with value that resonates in daily life here.

All figures above are estimates based on MacRumors’ reporting of TrendForce projections. Final pricing and configurations will be announced by Apple.