Apple used its September 9 “Surprise and Shine” keynote to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max — and with prices already climbing globally, Pakistani buyers are looking at some of the steepest iPhone costs yet once PTA registration is factored in.
What Apple Announced
This was Apple’s first major keynote under new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1. Rather than a full lineup refresh, Apple split its release this year: only the Pro-tier phones and the foldable arrived this fall, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 have been pushed to spring 2027.
- iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max — powered by the new A20 Pro chip on a 2nm process, with a variable-aperture main camera (an iPhone first) and Apple’s new in-house C2 modem
- iPhone Duo — Apple’s first foldable iPhone, opening book-style from a 5.4-inch outer display to a 7.6-inch inner display
- Refreshed Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5
Official Global Starting Prices
| Model | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 |
| iPhone Duo (foldable) | $1,999 (up to $3,199 for higher storage) |
Both Pro models are $100 more expensive than their iPhone 17 counterparts, continuing a price climb Apple has attributed to rising memory and component costs.
Pakistan Prices: New iPhone 18 Series & iPhone Duo
| Model | Retail Price (Before PTA Tax) | Estimated Price (PTA-Registered) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro (256GB) | ~Rs. 332,000 | ~Rs. 582,000 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max (256GB) | ~Rs. 360,000 | ~Rs. 610,000 |
| iPhone Duo (256GB, foldable) | ~Rs. 555,000 | ~Rs. 880,000 – 910,000 (estimated) |
Note: PTA/FBR has not yet published an official tax valuation for the iPhone 18 series or iPhone Duo. The PTA-registered figures above are early market estimates based on current tax patterns for high-end imported phones and will likely be adjusted once FBR issues its official valuation ruling.
Pakistan Prices: Currently Available Older Models
For buyers not chasing the newest release, previous-generation iPhones remain on sale through official and grey-market channels:
| Model | Approx. Price in Pakistan |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ~Rs. 564,999 (official warranty) |
| iPhone 17 | ~Rs. 398,999 (official warranty) |
| iPhone 16e | ~Rs. 157,999 (lowest-priced current iPhone, non-PTA) |
Why the PTA Tax Matters So Much
The single biggest factor separating Pakistan’s iPhone prices from the rest of the world isn’t Apple’s sticker price — it’s the mandatory PTA registration tax, calculated by the FBR based on a phone’s customs value. Without PTA/DIRBS registration, an iPhone loses cellular service on local networks after a limited window, making registration effectively unavoidable for anyone using the phone long-term in Pakistan. Passport-based registration is typically 15–25% cheaper than CNIC-based registration, though it requires proof of recent international travel verified through FIA records.
When Will the New iPhones Reach Pakistan?
Apple doesn’t operate official retail stores in Pakistan, so new iPhones typically arrive through authorized resellers and importers bringing stock in from Dubai and other regional markets after the global launch. Based on past rollout patterns — the iPhone 17 saw PTA-approved stock arrive roughly 10 days after its announcement — buyers can expect a similar gap this year, with global retail availability expected around September 18 following pre-orders opening around September 12.
Final Thoughts
Between a $100 price bump on the Pro models and the eye-watering cost of the first-ever foldable iPhone, this year’s lineup is Apple’s most expensive fall release yet — and Pakistan’s PTA tax structure means local buyers will feel that increase more sharply than most. With official FBR valuations still pending, prospective buyers are best off waiting for confirmed registration costs before committing to a pre-order or import purchase.
