Photo credit: APApple's next-generation iPhone may arrive with a higher price tag if cryptocurrency prediction markets are any indication. Bets on Polygon-based prediction platform Polymarket now strongly favour the iPhone 18 Pro launching above the $1,100 mark, following Apple's recent price increases across several MacBook and iPad models.The sharp jump in betting odds comes amid growing expectations that rising memory and storage costs, fuelled by the artificial intelligence boom, could also push iPhone prices higher. While Apple has not officially announced the iPhone 18 series, prediction market participants are increasingly betting on both its launch and a higher starting price.Key TakeawaysPolymarket now shows a 90% chance of the iPhone 18 Pro launching above $1,100.Odds of the phone costing more than $1,100 have jumped from 47% to 90% within a week.Apple recently raised prices for several MacBook and iPad models, citing higher memory and storage costs.CEO Tim Cook has previously said iPhone price increases are "unavoidable."The iPhone 18 series has not been officially confirmed, but prediction markets expect a September launch.Prediction market sees higher pricing oddsAccording to the prediction platform Polymarket, based on the Polygon network, there is a growing trend among the betting community regarding the high price of Apple's new flagship phone.At present, there is a 97% chance that the basic version of the iPhone 18 will debut with a starting price of more than $1,000. The probability was 96% a day ago, while it stood at 76% just a week ago.Interestingly, the probability of the launch price for iPhone 18 Pro exceeding $1,100 stands at 90%, whereas it was 47% a week ago. However, the probability of the Pro variant being priced above $1,200 is just 33%.The prediction market will be settled based on Apple's official pre-tax launch price in the United States on the day the smartphone is announced.Apple price hikes fuel speculationThe increase in prediction market odds comes shortly after Apple raised prices on several MacBook and iPad models.The company attributed the move to rising memory and storage costs driven by growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Apple said it had "reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on several products."The recent price revisions have strengthened expectations that similar increases could eventually extend to the company's smartphone lineup.Adding to the speculation, Apple CEO Tim Cook had earlier indicated that price increases for the iPhone are "unavoidable," reinforcing concerns that the next-generation devices may become more expensive.Analysts also expect higher average selling pricesFinancial analysts appear to share similar expectations.Bank of America Securities has increased its average selling price forecasts by $100 for both the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models. However, the brokerage left its estimates for the base iPhone and Air variants unchanged.Although these are projections rather than confirmed pricing, they align with the growing belief that Apple's premium smartphones may see the biggest price adjustments.Launch expected in SeptemberApple has not officially confirmed the iPhone 18 series or its launch timeline.However, industry reports cited in the prediction market point towards an early September unveiling. Reflecting that confidence, Polymarket currently assigns a 96% probability that Apple will officially launch the iPhone 18 lineup.For comparison, the current-generation iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 in the United States for the 256GB storage variant, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199.Apple shares edge higher after market closeApple's stock closed 6.12% lower at $275.15 during Thursday's regular trading session. However, shares recovered slightly in after-hours trading, rising 0.40%.According to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings, Apple continues to maintain a strong price trend across short-, medium- and long-term timeframes, supported by a very high Quality score.Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1. Why are people expecting the iPhone 18 Pro to cost more than $1,100?Betters in the prediction market have bet heavily following the increase in price by Apple for several models of MacBook and iPads due to increased memory and storage prices associated with the growth in AI infrastructure.Q2. Has Apple already officially announced the iPhone 18 series and its pricing?No. Apple has yet to announce the iPhone 18 series and pricing. The prices stated here are from prediction markets' betting.Q3. What is the current betting probability for the iPhone 18 release?Polymarket currently sets the likelihood of official release of the iPhone 18 series at 96%, and the time expected is mid-September.Q4. What is the current price of the iPhone 17 Pro?The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 in America for the 256GB version, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199.end of article