iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max South Africa prices revealed - IOL

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models start at R28,799 in South Africa with major battery and camera upgrades, while local pricing for the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo remains unconfirmed. Picture: Apple

The new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models from Apple will begin shipping on Friday, and they won’t come cheap.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at R28,799, while the top-tier 18 Pro Max begins at a steep R31,299.

While the improvements on this year's models are considerable, the previous-generation iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max still offer a compelling value proposition. The 17 Pro currently retails for R24,999, while the 17 Pro Max sits at R27,999 (pricing based on 256GB models).

Pre-orders for the new lineup opened over the weekend at the iStore, with contract packages also available through Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C.

The most significant upgrades in the 18 Pro series focus on battery performance and camera hardware. The Pro Max reportedly boasts up to six additional hours of video playback compared to its predecessor, and both models can charge to 50% in just 20 minutes.

On the camera front, the standout addition is the 48MP Fusion main camera's new physical variable aperture. This upgrade gives users precise control over depth of field while significantly improving automatic exposure and overall focus accuracy.

While these flagship Pro models will drive high-end sales, the standard iPhone 18 base model is noticeably absent from Apple’s 2026 announcement—leaving budget-conscious consumers waiting.

However, all eyes remain on the highly anticipated iPhone Duo. Marking Apple's first foray into the foldable smartphone market, the device has generated massive buzz. Rumours suggest a price tag approaching R50,000, though official South African pricing and release dates have yet to be confirmed.