Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing major upgrades to the camera system, performance, battery life and artificial intelligence features.
The new Pro models are powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built using a 2-nanometer process, and feature a redesigned thermal system with a next-generation vapor chamber aimed at improving sustained performance. Apple says the new seven-core GPU delivers up to 40% faster performance than the A19 Pro.
One of the biggest upgrades is the new 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera, which introduces variable aperture to an iPhone for the first time. The six-blade system can automatically adjust the aperture depending on lighting and depth of field, while users can also manually select aperture settings through new Pro camera controls.
Apple has also introduced “Apple Reference Image,” a feature designed to help verify the authenticity of photographs. In Reference mode, signed sensor data is used to create an unalterable reference image that can be compared with the final photograph to determine whether changes have been made. Apple said the technology could be particularly useful for photojournalists and photographers.
The iPhone 18 Pro series also features a smaller redesigned Dynamic Island capable of displaying up to three Live Activities simultaneously.
The devices will run iOS 27 and support the new Siri AI, which Apple says can use personal context across messages, emails, photos and other content, as well as onscreen awareness to assist users and perform actions. Siri AI will initially roll out in beta.
Battery life has also been improved, with eSIM-only versions offering up to 36 hours of video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 45 hours on the Pro Max. Apple says the phones can charge to 50% in around 15 minutes using a wired connection.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be offered in black, silver, glacier and a new burgundy finish, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB.
Prices in the United States start at $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Pre-orders open Sept. 12 in more than 65 countries and regions, with availability beginning Sept. 18. A further 20 countries and regions will receive the devices from Sept. 25. (Newswire)