Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, its latest high-end smartphone models. The new devices bring updates to the camera system, processor, connectivity, thermal management, battery life and artificial intelligence features.
48MP main camera with variable aperture
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max feature a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. The six-blade laser-cut aperture can open as wide as f/1.48 in low-light conditions.
The new Pro camera controls allow users to manually adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed and white balance. A histogram is also available for more precise exposure control.
For video recording, the new models support 4K Dolby Vision HDR and Quick Take 4K. Cinematic effects can also be applied after recording at up to 60 frames per second.
Apple Reference Image focuses on image authenticity
Apple has introduced the Apple Reference Image feature to help users verify the authenticity of photographs. The system records signed sensor data and creates an immutable reference image.
This reference can be used to compare an edited photograph with the original reference image. Metadata and planned support for SynthID are also intended to provide additional information for identifying images generated or edited using artificial intelligence.
A20 Pro brings 2nm architecture
The iPhone 18 Pro models are powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. The chip features a 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU and dual 16-core Neural Engine.
According to Apple, the A20 Pro provides 50 percent more memory bandwidth than the previous-generation A19 Pro. GPU performance is also improved by up to 40 percent.
The new vapor chamber has three times the surface area of the system used in the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple says the larger thermal system is designed to help maintain performance during extended workloads.
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support
The iPhone 18 Pro models include Apple’s N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. The new C2 modem also brings AI-assisted improvements to cellular connectivity.
Apple says the C2 modem uses 15 percent less power than the previous C1X modem.
Up to 43 hours of video playback
The iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 34 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max provides up to 43 hours.
The iPhone 18 Pro can reach 50 percent charge in approximately 15 minutes using a wired connection or approximately 30 minutes wirelessly. On the iPhone 18 Pro Max, five minutes of wired charging can provide around seven hours of video playback.
Redesigned Dynamic Island and iOS 27
The iPhone 18 Pro models feature a redesigned Dynamic Island that can display up to three Live Activities simultaneously.
Both models run iOS 27 and include new Apple Intelligence features. These include spatial reframing, image expansion, an improved Clean Up tool and a more photorealistic Image Playground.
Safari also gains the Notify Me feature, which can alert users to changes in stock and product prices. Apple Intelligence processes are performed on the device where possible, while Private Cloud Compute is used for tasks requiring additional processing.
iPhone 18 Pro colors and storage options
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in black, silver, glacier and a new burgundy finish.
Both models offer 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage configurations.
iPhone 18 Pro price and availability
In the United States, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both starting configurations come with 256GB of storage.
Pre-orders begin September 12, with the new models becoming available on September 18.
