Apple’s most expensive phone yet? Foldable iPhone Ultra tipped at $1,999 with Siri AI boost: Report
Rather than raising prices across its entire iPhone lineup, the company is planning to introduce the premium foldable priced at around $1,999, Forbes reported.
The foldable iPhone Ultra would occupy the top end of Apple’s smartphone portfolio, allowing the company to absorb rising component costs while preserving the appeal of its mainstream devices. The strategy could help Apple generate higher margins from luxury buyers without alienating its broader customer base.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to retain their current pricing structure. Apple is reportedly focused on maintaining stable prices for its core flagship models while aiming to keep margins and sales stable through manufacturing efficiencies and predictable upgrades.
The company is also expected to maintain the entry-level
iPhone 18 Pro at $1,049 in an effort to preserve demand for its core flagship models.
The approach would mark a contrast with several Android smartphone makers, including Samsung and Google, which have removed lower-storage options to accommodate higher prices across their flagship smartphone lineups.
Beyond hardware, Apple is also expected to place greater emphasis on its services business. Products such as Apple Music, Apple TV+ and iCloud continue to generate recurring revenue for the company and play a key role in Apple’s services business.
Apple is expected to bring additional AI-powered tools, including Siri AI, to the iPhone 18 lineup. According to the report, some of these features could eventually become part of the Apple One subscription package after an initial promotional period, creating a recurring revenue stream without increasing the prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
An estimated $15 monthly fee for AI services could increase the total cost of ownership without affecting the prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
The new AI features are expected to debut with iOS 27 and arrive first on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Ultra handsets. By introducing a luxury Ultra model while maintaining steady pricing for its flagship Pro devices, the company aims to maximize revenue from high-end consumers without disrupting demand across the wider iPhone ecosystem.
