Caviar has opened pre-orders for a line of luxury iPhone 18 Pros that don't even exist, based on rumors of a fully capacitive shutter button. We at TechNoid examine how the custom luxury monetization industry is selling "air" for prices as high as $12.770, long before Apple officially unveils the device.
- The well-known luxury modification company Caviar announced five limited editions of the non-existent iPhone 18 Pro, with prices ranging from $10.060 to $12.770.
- The plans are based on a report by MacRumors regarding the removal of gestures from the Camera Control button.
- The use of exotic materials such as 24-karat gold and crocodile leather makes it impossible to use Qi2 wireless charging and magnetic accessories.
The virtual luxury industry
The practice of pre-selling devices that have not been officially announced by Apple is a standard marketing tactic for companies like Caviar . Taking advantage of the public's thirst for exclusivity, these companies create renders and collectibles based solely on leaks and market analysis. According to analysis by NotebookCheck , these editions are strictly limited to 18 units per variant, driving their price to unimaginable heights without any guarantee of the final technical characteristics of Apple's hardware.
The bet on Camera Control
The main design argument behind these concepts concerns the camera control button. While the iPhone 16 Pro introduced a hybrid button with touch and swipe capabilities, rumors have Apple moving to an exclusively capacitive pressure solution in the future. Caviar has chosen to build its luxury cases around this uncertain change, ignoring the fact that these leaks have not been verified by reliable supply chain analysts.
The technical sacrifices of luxury
Buying a smartphone worth over $10.000 usually comes with top-notch performance in all areas, but in this case, the user is forced to make serious compromises in functionality. Genuine python or crocodile leather covers, combined with 24-karat gold and black PVD coatings, completely block electromagnetic fields. As a result, the owner loses the ability to use MagSafe magnetic accessories and Qi2 wireless charging, setting the technology back years.
Our opinion at TechNoid
We believe that buying customized smartphones from companies like Caviar is a pure display of wealth without any technological added value. Pre-ordering an iPhone 18 Pro — a phone that will be released in over a year — based on unsubstantiated rumors about a button proves that the product is aimed at status symbol collectors, not technologists. If you want to invest your money in premium mobile hardware, you should read our buying guide to the top flagships on the market that offer real technological innovation today.
| Feature | Standard iPhone 18 Pro (Concept) | Caviar Limited Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Construction materials | Titanium / Glass | 24k Gold, Crocodile/Python Leather |
| Assyrian Charging Qi2 | Normally supported | It doesn't work due to materials |
| Starting price | Expected (~$999) | $10.060 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Caviar iPhone 18 Pro
How much do Caviar's custom iPhone 18 Pros cost?
Prices range from $10.060 to $12.770, depending on version and storage capacity.
How many pieces will be made in total?
Each of the five different variants is strictly limited to just 18 units worldwide.
Are the new plans based on official Apple data?
No, they are based solely on early rumors and leaks regarding possible changes to the Camera Control button.
Does wireless charging work on these luxury models?
Due to the thick layers of gold and leather, MagSafe magnetic accessories and Qi2 wireless charging do not work.
What materials are used in the exterior cladding?
The devices are covered in python or crocodile leather and plated with 24-karat gold or black PVD coating.
Are they available for purchase right now?
They are only available for pre-order through Caviar's online store, although the device has not been announced.
Why is Caviar releasing versions for non-existent phones?
This is a marketing strategy aimed at attracting luxury collectors and gaining publicity.
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