iPhone 18 Pro Is Hard to Find and More Expensive: Here’s What You Need to Know!

Are you eager to get your hands on a new iPhone soon? Then we have some less-than-great news for you. Several rumors suggest that Apple’s next flagship model will be both scarce and more expensive at launch. Don’t panic—we’ll explain what’s going on and how you can handle it smartly.

In this blog, we discuss:

1. What’s going on with the iPhone 18 Pro?
2. Why might the iPhone 18 Pro become scarce?
3. How much more expensive will the iPhone 18 Pro be?
4. What do you get in return: the expected upgrades
5. What can you do right now if you want to save money?

What’s going on with the iPhone 18 Pro?

According to multiple sources, including iCulture and 9to5Mac, Apple is anticipating limited supplies of the iPhone 18 Pro immediately after its release. At the same time, Apple is preparing for the launch by expanding its sales network, according to another report from 9to5Mac. That may sound contradictory, but it’s part of a larger problem behind the scenes.

Apple is also increasing the trade-in value of most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, according to 9to5Mac. That’s noteworthy: higher trade-in values make an expensive purchase just a little more affordable. It seems that Apple is preparing for a launch where the price will be a barrier for many people.

Why might the iPhone 18 Pro become scarce?

The expected shortage of the iPhone 18 Pro is linked to production challenges involving new components and chips, which have been under pressure worldwide for some time now. Manufacturers simply don’t have enough capacity to meet demand. For you as a consumer, this means that if you want to be among the first to get one, you may have to wait longer or go the extra mile to find it in stock.

This pattern has been seen before with major launches, but the indications for the iPhone 18 Pro are stronger than usual this year. Several independent sources are reporting the same information around the same time, which makes it more likely that it’s accurate. For now, these remain just expectations; Apple itself has not yet confirmed anything.

How much more expensive will the iPhone 18 Pro be?

9to5Mac reports that the iPhone 18 Pro could end up being significantly more expensive than its predecessor. Other Apple products are also expected to become more expensive starting next month, according to a separate article by 9to5Mac. This is in line with a broader trend of rising costs for chips and components, which ultimately get passed on to consumers.

How much exactly? Analysts are anticipating a price increase of about $100 to $300. Analyst Jeff Pu expects an additional $250 to $300, which would put the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro at around $1,349 to $1,399, compared to $1,099 for the current Pro model. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman anticipates a more modest increase of $100 to $200. Prices in euros in the Netherlands usually follow such increases closely.

Paying more for your new phone is frustrating, especially when you already have to wait due to the expected shortage. Fortunately, an expensive purchase isn’t your only option. Many people forget that getting their current iPhone repaired is often much more cost-effective than switching right away.

What do you get in return: the expected upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature three upgrades that have been the subject of rumors for years, according to 9to5Mac. Specific details are still lacking, but this suggests that Apple really wants to introduce something new with this model. That makes the temptation to switch even greater, even if the price is a letdown.

If you’re on the fence, it’s a good idea to ask yourself what you’re actually missing with your current iPhone. Is the battery worn out or is the screen cracked? If so, getting it repaired is often a smarter first step than buying a new, more expensive device right away.

What can you do right now if you want to save money?

There’s no need to wait for the iPhone 18 Pro if your current phone is broken or worn out. Here are a few concrete steps you can take right now:

1. Check to see if your screen or battery is still in good condition; that will determine whether a repair is worth it.
2. Compare the cost of a repair with that of a new device on the pricing page.
3. Have a cracked screen replaced instead of replacing your entire iPhone through iPhone screen repair.
4. Keep in mind that a new battery will make your current iPhone fast again and extend its life by years; often, an upgrade isn’t even necessary.
5. Decided to switch after all? Sell your old device right away at thephonelab.nl/verkopen; ThePhoneLab is a Swappie buyback partner. You can find accessories for your new iPhone at shop.thephonelab.nl.
6. Wait to buy until the initial buzz surrounding the launch dies down a bit; availability often stabilizes after a few weeks.

Our own repair data shows that screen repairs accounted for about 59 percent of our repairs over the past year. That’s not surprising: getting a screen repaired costs a fraction of the price of a new iPhone, and afterward, your phone works just as it should again. At ThePhoneLab, you’re also covered by our lowest-price guarantee for iPhone screens—which you can find on this page—and you’ll receive a lifetime warranty on the repair.

As an authorized Apple Independent Repair Provider, ThePhoneLab uses genuine parts—even if you’d rather wait to buy a new one and want to get your current iPhone back in working order first. Our specialist, Wouter, who has been repairing devices since 2016, sees every day how regular maintenance can extend a device’s life by years.

About ThePhoneLab

For over ten years, ThePhoneLab has been repairing phones, tablets, and laptops every day throughout the Netherlands. Every repair starts with an honest diagnosis—no cure, no pay—and then you choose what works best for you: original parts or a more affordable alternative from our own brand, for every budget. Because repairing is almost always smarter than replacing—both for your wallet and for the planet. It’s no surprise that customers give us a 9.5 rating in tens of thousands of reviews.

View all repairs or find a store near you.