Dubai: The expected arrival of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro is already generating excitement among technology enthusiasts, but industry analysts say the biggest expense for many buyers may come after the initial purchase rather than at the checkout.
While Apple has yet to announce official pricing, market watchers believe the premium smartphone could launch with a higher price tag than its predecessor as rising manufacturing costs continue to pressure the consumer electronics industry. Estimates suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could start between Dh4,585 and Dh4,775, while the larger Pro Max variant may approach Dh5,135, before any regional adjustments.
However, the handset itself represents only part of the overall investment.
Many buyers eventually opt for higher storage variants as growing photo libraries, 4K videos, games and work files quickly consume available space. Choosing additional storage can add hundreds of dirhams to the final purchase price, particularly for users planning to keep the device for several years.
Accessories also contribute significantly to the ownership cost. Protective cases, screen protectors, charging adapters, MagSafe-compatible accessories, wireless earbuds and portable power banks are among the most common purchases made alongside a new premium smartphone.
Protection plans and extended warranties have also become increasingly popular as repair costs for flagship devices continue to rise. A damaged display or camera module can result in expensive repairs, prompting many users to invest in additional coverage from the outset.
Beyond hardware, recurring digital services can steadily increase long-term spending. Many iPhone owners subscribe to cloud storage, music streaming, entertainment platforms and other Apple ecosystem services, creating ongoing monthly expenses that continue long after the phone is purchased.
Upgrade habits also influence the total cost of ownership. Users who replace their devices every year or two typically spend considerably more over time than those who keep the same phone for four or five years, even when trade-in programmes help reduce the cost of upgrading.
With the iPhone 18 Pro expected to deliver improvements in performance, cameras and battery life, analysts say buyers should evaluate whether those enhancements match their actual usage. For many consumers, the overall ownership experience and its long-term costs may matter just as much as the device’s launch price.
