The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be priced the same as their predecessors, according to a new research note from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu.

Pu, who regularly reports on Apple’s supply chain developments, said his findings suggest pricing for the upcoming Pro models will remain unchanged.

Cost Pressures in the Smartphone Industry

The report comes at a time when smartphone pricing stability is uncertain. Memory production has increasingly shifted toward AI data centers, potentially affecting supply and pricing for consumer devices.

Despite these pressures, Pu said Apple is prioritizing cost management to maintain current price levels.

Supply Chain Negotiations

According to Pu’s research, Apple has been negotiating with Samsung and SK Hynix to secure favorable memory chip agreements.

Pu also expects Apple to reduce costs in other core components, including the display and camera systems, to offset any increase in RAM expenses.

Zong, Pakistan’s leading information services and technology innovation company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Samsung to unveil the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Series, aimed at expanding inclusive access to next-generation 5G-ready devices for customers across Pakistan.

The partnership brings exclusive perks for Zong customers including prebooking opportunities, bundled offers, and a trade-in program for Samsung handsets at selected Zong Customer Service Centers (CSCs) nationwide. This collaboration aims to accelerate 5G-ready device penetration in Pakistan and strengthen the country’s premium smartphone ecosystem. By integrating Samsung’s latest flagship technology with Zong’s nationwide digital and retail infrastructure, both companies aim to enhance accessibility and next-generation digital experiences for customers across Pakistan.

Speaking at the Zong x Samsung Management Connect, Sajid Munir, Head of Marketing at Zong, said: “This partnership represents a major step in Zong’s strategic direction to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation. With 5G on the horizon and smartphone penetration still evolving, it is critical to ensure that advanced technology is both accessible and affordable. By bringing Samsung’s latest 5G-ready devices to our nationwide retail and digital platforms, along with exclusive bundles, prebooking opportunities, and structured trade-in programs, we are empowering more Pakistanis to participate in the digital economy, fostering innovation, and unlocking new possibilities for next-generation connectivity and engagement.”

As part of the initiative, Samsung Shop-in-Shop experience zones have been deployed at selected Zong CSCs, starting with Islamabad, creating immersive touchpoints where customers can interact with the latest Samsung flagship devices through physical demos, assisted purchase journeys, and on-ground brand engagement, redefining device retail within telecom touchpoints. In addition, Zong CSCs will introduce a first-ever operational trade-in mechanism in Pakistan for Samsung handsets, enabling customers to seamlessly upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Series while enhancing affordability and convenience. The collaboration also extends to digital channels, with Samsung handsets integrated on the My Zong App (MZA), allowing customers to browse, prebook, and engage with the Galaxy S26 Series through a streamlined and seamless online journey, with nationwide availability aligned to the February 2026 launch window.

Zong is shaping a future-ready digital ecosystem in Pakistan, delivering advanced technology and 5G-ready experiences to customers across the country. Initiatives like this are helping build an accessible, intelligent, and innovative ecosystem, paving the way for the next era of connectivity, growth, and technological advancement nationwide.