Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple has launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing a new A20 Pro chip, a redesigned 48MP camera system with variable aperture, Apple's C2 cellular modem, longer battery life and expanded Apple Intelligence features. The two Pro models were unveiled on September 9, with preorders opening September 12 and retail availability beginning September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions.
The new generation keeps the familiar Pro positioning but makes substantial changes underneath the design. Apple is focusing on camera control, sustained performance, connectivity and on-device AI, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max receives the largest battery-life increase in the lineup.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Key Specifications
Models: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED on iPhone 18 Pro; 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED on iPhone 18 Pro Max
Resolution: 2622 × 1206 pixels on Pro; 2868 × 1320 pixels on Pro Max
Refresh rate: ProMotion adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz
Display features: Always-On display, Dynamic Island, HDR, True Tone, P3 wide colour
Outdoor peak brightness: Up to 3,000 nits
Processor: Apple A20 Pro
Process technology: 2nm
CPU: 6-core CPU
GPU: 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
Neural Engine: Dual 16-core Neural Engine
Main camera: 48MP Fusion Main with variable aperture
Main-camera aperture: ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8 and ƒ/4.0
Ultra Wide camera: 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide with 120-degree field of view
Telephoto camera: 48MP Fusion Telephoto
Optical zoom: 4x
Optical-quality telephoto: Up to 8x at 200mm
Digital zoom: Up to 40x
Front camera: 18MP Center Stage
Video: Up to 4K Dolby Vision at 60fps
Professional video: ProRes, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 and Academy Color Encoding System
Modem: Apple C2 cellular modem
Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB
Battery: Up to 36 hours of video playback on iPhone 18 Pro and up to 43 hours on iPhone 18 Pro Max
Charging: Up to 50% in around 15 minutes with wired charging under Apple's specified conditions
Wireless charging: MagSafe and Qi2 up to 25W
Port: USB-C with USB 3 data transfer up to 10Gbps
Biometrics: Face ID
Operating system: iOS 27
Protection: Ceramic Shield
Water and dust resistance: IP68
Colours: Black, silver, glacier and burgundy
Starting price: $1,199 for iPhone 18 Pro; $1,299 for iPhone 18 Pro Max
Preorders: September 12
First availability: September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions.
A20 Pro Moves to 2nm
The A20 Pro is the processing centre of the new iPhone generation and is built using a 2nm manufacturing process. It combines a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says the chip provides 50% more memory bandwidth than the previous-generation A19 Pro, while its GPU can deliver up to 40% faster graphics performance. The Neural Engine provides twice the AI processing capability of the previous generation, according to Apple, giving the phones more headroom for on-device AI, photography and demanding applications. Apple has also redesigned the thermal architecture with a new vapor chamber. The larger thermal system is intended to keep the processor operating at higher performance levels for longer periods, particularly during gaming, video processing and other sustained workloads.
48MP Cameras Add Variable Aperture
The iPhone 18 Pro series introduces Apple's first variable-aperture main camera. The 48MP Fusion Main camera can switch between four aperture settings — ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8 and ƒ/4.0 — giving the camera more control over incoming light and depth of field. Users can leave the system to automatically select the aperture or use Apple's Pro Controls to make adjustments themselves. Those controls also include shutter speed, white balance and a histogram, giving photographers more manual control than previous iPhone generations.
The other rear cameras are also 48MP Fusion sensors. The Ultra Wide camera provides a 120-degree field of view, while the Telephoto camera delivers 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-quality telephoto. The system supports macro photography, Night mode, spatial photos, ProRAW and the latest Photographic Styles. For video, both models support 4K Dolby Vision recording at up to 60fps, along with ProRes, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 and Academy Color Encoding System. The new 18MP Center Stage front camera adds 4K Dolby Vision recording, improved low-light performance and Dual Capture.
Brighter Displays and a Smaller Dynamic Island
The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max uses a 6.9-inch panel. Both are Super Retina XDR OLED displays with ProMotion up to 120Hz, Always-On functionality, HDR, True Tone and P3 wide colour. Peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits, while the displays can reduce brightness to as little as 1 nit in low-light environments. Apple has also reduced the size of the Dynamic Island, allowing it to occupy less screen space while supporting up to three Live Activities simultaneously.
C2 Modem and Wi-Fi 7
Apple is also introducing its C2 cellular modem with the iPhone 18 Pro series. The company says C2 improves upload performance compared with the previous-generation modem while reducing power consumption. The new N1 wireless networking chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support. The phones also include second-generation Ultra Wideband, NFC and other wireless features, while the USB-C port supports USB 3 data transfer at up to 10Gbps.
Pro Max Gets Apple's Biggest Battery Boost
Battery life receives a particularly large upgrade on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple says it delivers the biggest battery-life increase ever for an iPhone, reaching up to 43 hours of video playback under Apple's testing conditions. The iPhone 18 Pro reaches up to 36 hours. Both phones support faster wired charging, with Apple saying they can reach 50% charge in around 15 minutes using a compatible high-power adapter. MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging are supported at up to 25W.
Siri AI Gets Deeper Into iOS 27
The iPhone 18 Pro models ship with iOS 27 and the latest Apple Intelligence features. The biggest software change is the expanded Siri AI experience, which can use personal context, understand information displayed on the screen and perform actions across applications. Apple is using on-device processing where possible, while Private Cloud Compute handles requests requiring additional processing power. Siri AI is initially available as a beta feature, with support expanding over time. Apple is also adding tools aimed at helping users identify manipulated or AI-generated images. Apple Reference Image uses cryptographic technology to authenticate images captured by supported devices, while SynthID support can help identify AI-generated or edited content. Availability varies depending on the market.
Pricing and Global Availability
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both models are available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options. The starting prices are $100 higher than the previous generation, with Reuters reporting that increased memory costs contributed to the increase. Preorders begin September 12, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max going on sale September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions. Additional markets will receive the phones from September 25. Availability of individual configurations, colours and features can vary by market.
Apple also introduced new cases and accessories for the Pro models, including TechWoven, Clear and Silicone cases with MagSafe. The new accessories are designed around the updated camera and device dimensions. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max represent Apple's latest attempt to push its conventional flagship iPhone forward without changing the basic smartphone formula. The new A20 Pro and thermal system target sustained performance, the variable-aperture camera gives photographers greater control, and the C2 modem and N1 chip update connectivity. At the software level, Apple Intelligence and the expanded Siri AI experience are becoming a more central part of the iPhone.
The result is a Pro lineup built around incremental improvements in several areas rather than one single headline specification. For buyers upgrading from older iPhones, the combination of camera control, processing power, battery life, connectivity and AI will determine how significant the new generation feels in everyday use.
