Apple’s new iPhone 18 lineup landed, with iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and first-ever foldable iPhone Duo now hitting global markets, but Pakistani buyers face hefty prices, PTA taxes and limited early stock.
For Pakistani buyers, however, the launch is taking place through importers and grey-market sellers because Apple does not currently operate an official Apple Store in Pakistan. This means local prices are still changing and can vary depending on stock, exchange rates, PTA charges, import costs and seller margins.
iPhone 18 Models
Apple has announced several models, but they are not all available at the same time.
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Duo foldable
The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected to arrive in spring 2027 and are not currently available.
iPhone 18 US Prices
| Model | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 | $1,399 | $1,799 | $2,399 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,899 | $2,499 |
| iPhone Duo | $1,999 | $2,199 | $2,599 | $3,199 |
The starting prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are around $100 higher than the corresponding iPhone 17 Pro models. iPhone Duo is significantly more expensive, starting at $1,999.
iPhone 18 Prices in Pakistan
| Model | Aprox Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro 256GB | Rs520,000–580,000+ |
| iPhone 18 Pro 512GB | Around Rs600,000–650,000 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB | Rs560,000–610,000+ |
| iPhone Duo 256GB | Rs787,000–930,000+ |
| iPhone Duo 2TB | Around Rs1.2m–1.3m+ |
256GB iPhone 18 Pro is being sold at Rs520,000, while the Pro Max has been estimated at around Rs580,000.
PTA Tax on iPhone 18
Imported smartphones need to be registered through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to continue using Pakistani cellular networks after the applicable grace period. PTA amount is not calculated simply by converting Apple’s US retail price into rupees.
| Model | CNIC | Passport |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 | Rs220,999 | Rs200,499 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | Rs225,449 | Rs204,954 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Rs229,600 | Rs209,040 |
Check Actual PTA Tax
Online estimates should not be considered the final payable amount.
The actual amount can change because of:
- FBR customs valuation
- Exchange-rate movements
- New tax or regulatory decisions
- Individual device assessment
Buyers should therefore check the specific IMEI before purchasing an imported iPhone.
The phone’s PTA/DIRBS status can be checked through the official DIRBS system, while the relevant IMEI-checking SMS facility is also available through 8484.
An imported iPhone can initially operate under the applicable registration grace period. Once that period ends, an unregistered handset may lose access to Pakistani cellular networks. The phone does not necessarily stop functioning completely. It can continue to be used over Wi-Fi, but mobile network services will be unavailable until the device is properly registered.
What’s new in iPhone 18
Processor
Both Pro models use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built using a 2nm process.
Display
The two models feature:
- iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch display
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
- 120Hz ProMotion
- Up to approximately 3,000 nits peak brightness
Camera
The camera system includes a new 48MP main camera with variable aperture.
The Pro models also feature:
- Ultra-wide camera
- Telephoto camera
- Up to 8x optical-quality zoom
- 18MP front camera
Battery
Battery performance has been improved, with the Pro Max offering up to approximately 45 hours of video playback, depending on usage and testing conditions.
Storage
The available storage configurations are:
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
- 2TB
The 2TB configuration represents a new high-capacity option for the Pro lineup.
Colours
The Pro models are available in:
- Black
- Silver
- Glacier
- Burgundy
Software and Additional Features
The new models run iOS 27 and include enhancements to Apple Intelligence and Siri.
Other upgrades include:
- Faster charging
- Ceramic Shield 2
- Improved AI capabilities
iPhone Duo Specs
iPhone Duo is Apple’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market. It features two display configurations:
- 5.4-inch outer display
- 7.6-inch inner display
The foldable handset also uses the A20 Pro chip.
Its US pricing starts at $1,999, while the 2TB version reaches $3,199.
Based on early Pakistani estimates, the 256GB version could cost approximately Rs787,000–930,000, while the highest-capacity models could potentially approach or exceed Rs1.2 million–Rs1.3 million during the initial market period.
The new models are entering Pakistan through importers and local sellers rather than an official Apple retail operation.
What Buyers Should Check Before Paying
Before purchasing an imported iPhone 18, consumers should verify the complete cost rather than looking only at the advertised handset price.
Buyer checklist
1. Check the IMEI:
Confirm that the IMEI belongs to the device being sold.
2. Verify PTA status:
Determine whether the handset is already registered or requires additional payment.
3. Calculate current PTA charges:
Do not rely entirely on old tax estimates.
4. Check activation status:
Confirm whether the phone is brand-new, activated or previously used.
5. Confirm warranty:
Ask whether the seller provides local coverage or only international warranty support.
6. Compare sellers:
Launch-period prices can differ considerably between retailers.
7. Check storage:
Make sure the advertised storage matches the actual device.
8. Calculate the complete cost:
For a non-PTA device, add the current registration charge to the purchase price before comparing it with a PTA-approved unit.
When Could iPhone 18 Prices Stabilise?
The first few weeks after launch are usually a period of significant price movement because imported stock is limited. As more units reach Pakistan, sellers may face greater competition and supply constraints could ease.
The exchange rate will also remain an important factor in determining the local price. Therefore, the early figures of Rs520,000–580,000 for the iPhone 18 Pro and Rs560,000–610,000 for the Pro Max should be treated as indicative rather than permanent market rates.
