Apple iPhone 18 Pro gets four ultra‑luxury Caviar editions before the official launch

While Apple is still pushing the iPhone 17 Pro at roughly $1,200 on retail sites, Russian luxury modder Caviar has already begun taking reservations for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The company is known for turning leaked renderings into fully finished, boutique‑grade phones, and this time it has prepared four “Royal Colors” variants that will ship only after Apple’s official September announcement.

What’s new in the Caviar Royal Colors line?

• Four distinct finishes – each model is limited to 18 units, with serial numbers 01‑18 laser‑etched onto the stainless‑steel frame.
• Materials – three of the four designs feature a 24‑carat gold‑plated frame and rear panel. The fourth uses a brushed‑titanium chassis for a slightly more subdued look.
• Exotic skins – the back of each phone is wrapped in genuine crocodile or python leather, stitched by hand and treated to resist fingerprints.
• Accessories – every unit includes a matching crocodile‑leather wallet that doubles as a protective sleeve.
• Storage options – Caviar offers 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB configurations, with the higher capacities paired with the more expensive leather options.

The underlying iPhone 18 Pro hardware is expected to be almost identical to the iPhone 17 Pro, apart from a marginally smaller punch‑hole for the front‑facing camera. That means the usual A‑series chip, ProMotion LTPO display and triple‑camera module will carry over, making the Caviar editions more about prestige than performance.

Pricing and availability

Model	Material	Storage	Price (USD)
iPhone 18 Pro – Gold + Crocodile	24‑carat gold‑plated frame & back, crocodile leather	256 GB	$10,060
iPhone 18 Pro – Gold + Python	24‑carat gold‑plated frame & back, python leather	512 GB	$11,340
iPhone 18 Pro Max – Gold + Crocodile	24‑carat gold‑plated frame & back, crocodile leather	512 GB	$11,950
iPhone 18 Pro Max – Titanium + Python	Brushed titanium, python leather	1 TB	$12,270

Reservations are open on Caviar’s official store, and the company promises to ship the phones weeks after Apple’s launch event, once the base iPhone 18 Pro becomes available. Because each unit is individually numbered, the company expects a short waiting list.

How does this compare to previous Caviar releases?

Caviar’s track record includes ultra‑luxury versions of the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max and even the Android‑based OnePlus 11. Those editions typically commanded a 5‑to‑8× premium over the retail price. The iPhone 18 Pro Royal Colors follow the same formula but push the price ceiling higher by using 24‑carat gold plating rather than the more common 18‑carat or gold‑tone anodization.

In terms of exclusivity, the 18‑unit cap is tighter than the 30‑unit limits seen on the iPhone 13 Pro Gold edition, which should make these phones attractive to collectors who value serial‑numbered pieces. The inclusion of a leather wallet is a new touch; earlier runs bundled only a protective case.

Who should consider buying one?

• Collectors and resellers – The limited run and engraved serial numbers create a potential secondary‑market premium, especially if Apple’s standard iPhone 18 Pro sells out quickly.
• Luxury‑focused buyers – If you already spend on high‑end watches or bespoke accessories, the gold‑plated, leather‑backed iPhone fits naturally into that lifestyle.
• Tech enthusiasts who want the newest iPhone – The hardware itself will not differ from the standard iPhone 18 Pro, so performance‑oriented users may find the price unjustifiable.
• People who appreciate craftsmanship – Hand‑stitched exotic leather and precision engraving are genuine artisanal work, not just a marketing veneer.

If you fall into the first two categories and can afford a six‑figure price tag, the Caviar Royal Colors edition offers a tangible status symbol that will likely appreciate in rarity. For most users, waiting for the regular iPhone 18 Pro—expected to start around $999—makes more sense.

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Sources: Caviar official reservation page, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro pricing on Amazon, previous Caviar limited‑edition releases.