The latest iPhone lineup is more expensive than ever, particularly if you want the 2TB storage option on the iPhone 18 Pro Max or Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo. Financing plans can make the monthly payments look more manageable, but spending Mac Studio-level money on an iPhone is still difficult to justify.
Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup has not only become more expensive, but its financing options have changed as well. While Apple has kept the entry-level models with 256GB of storage at relatively reasonable prices, the cost climbs sharply as you move into the higher storage tiers.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, starts at $1,999 with the same 256GB storage capacity.
For many users, however, 256GB may not be enough for long-term use. The 512GB upgrade adds a comparatively manageable $200, but moving to 1TB or 2TB requires much bigger jumps of $600 and $1,200 respectively.
Maxing Out the iPhone
Choosing the 2TB version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max brings the total price to $2,499. Under Apple’s 24-month financing option, that works out to approximately $104 per month.
Apple’s Upgrade plan reduces the monthly payment to $73 over 24 months, while a 12-month plan costs $103 per month.
For users who want to upgrade every year, similar to how Apple’s previous iPhone Upgrade Program worked, the 12-month option is the one to consider. If you choose the 24-month plan and try to upgrade in September 2027, however, you would reportedly still owe at least $877, along with an early contract closing fee.
There is another cost to consider as well: AppleCare is not included. Buyers will need to purchase AppleCare+ or AppleCare One separately if they want additional coverage for their expensive new device.
The iPhone Duo Costs Even More
The numbers become even more eye-watering with the iPhone Duo.
If you plan to buy the foldable when pre-orders begin in October, the 2TB model will cost $3,199. That works out to approximately $133 per month with standard financing.
Apple’s Upgrade plan brings the cost down to $92 per month on a 24-month plan, while the 12-month option costs $132 per month.
That means a fully loaded iPhone Duo can cost more than many high-end Macs, making the decision to max out Apple’s newest iPhone considerably harder to swallow—even when financing options spread the cost over time.
New Apple Watch Bands Embrace a More Subdued Color Palette
Apple’s latest Apple Watch band refresh brings a more understated aesthetic, with new options featuring burgundy, olive and other muted shades across much of the company’s smartwatch lineup.
On Wednesday, Apple unveiled the all-new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, alongside a wide selection of new Apple Watch bands.
Many of the newly introduced bands are also compatible with previous Apple Watch generations, meaning users can refresh the look of their existing smartwatch without having to upgrade to a new model.
Apple Sport Band
Apple’s iconic Sport Band continues to focus on a balance of comfort, durability and everyday practicality. Made from high-performance fluoroelastomer, the band features a smooth finish and a pin-and-tuck closure designed to provide a secure fit.
Lightweight and flexible, the Sport Band is designed to remain comfortable throughout the day while withstanding the demands of regular use.
Apple’s Upgrade Won’t Make the Maxed-Out iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo Any Easier to Swallow
