Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. The new generation of devices focuses on improving camera capabilities, boosting performance, increasing battery life, and integrating artificial intelligence features.
The main innovation is the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera with an adjustable aperture. Apple positions this camera as the most advanced professional camera ever installed in an iPhone. Both models are equipped with the new A20 Pro chip, next-generation vapor chamber cooling system, and an updated Dynamic Island.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max demonstrates the most significant increase in battery life in iPhone history, made possible by new developments in Apple Silicon and increased battery capacity.
Both smartphones run on iOS 27 with integrated Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI. Apple presents these devices as personal intelligent hubs that combine AI capabilities while considering personal context, all while maintaining a focus on privacy and security.
Greg Joswiak, Apple's Senior Vice President for Worldwide Marketing, stated: 'With the iPhone 18 Pro, we have pushed the areas that matter most to our users: camera, performance, battery, and intelligence. And we haven't stopped at incremental improvements—we have made a giant leap forward by creating the best iPhone Pro we have ever made.'
Adjustable Camera Aperture
For the first time, the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera features an adjustable aperture. Six laser blades allow for smooth aperture adjustment, and automatic settings help select depth of field and shooting parameters based on lighting.
The new sensor is designed to improve image quality in low light, increase background detail in group shots, and expand creative shooting options. In the Camera app, owners of the iPhone 18 Pro can manually select one of four aperture settings. Apple also provides an API for third-party developers for additional control over the aperture range.
The new computational photography pipeline delivers sharper and more detailed images. Updated Photographic Styles offer additional controls for texture and grain. Apple has also expanded video recording capabilities: cinematic effects can now be applied to video recorded up to 60 frames per second post-capture. The timelapse mode supports recording in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR.
The updated AudioMix uses new algorithms to enhance voice quality and separate voices from music. For professional shooting, Apple introduced the Pro Controls interface, which provides quick access to frequently used settings and allows manual adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, and white balance. The interface also includes a histogram for monitoring exposure across different parts of the frame.
Apple Reference Image Feature
The new Apple Reference Image feature is designed to verify the authenticity of photos taken on the iPhone 18 Pro. The new main camera sensor is capable of signing every visible pixel. When using Reference mode, the camera saves signed sensor data, which is then converted into an immutable reference image by Private Cloud Compute.
This image can be viewed in the Photos app next to the original photo and used as a digital negative for visual comparison and checking for potential alterations. Apple provides an API for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 27, allowing third-party developers to add support for viewing the reference image in their applications. Image metadata and future support for the SynthID standard are also intended to help identify images created or modified using artificial intelligence. Apple emphasized that the combination of these technologies is particularly important for photojournalists, photographers, and everyday users.
New Dynamic Island
The Dynamic Island has received a redesigned structure and, despite its smaller size, offers more functionality. It can now simultaneously display up to three active events (Live Activities). Face ID support remains available, including secure device unlocking, purchase authentication, and app login.
A20 Pro Chip and Performance
The iPhone 18 Pro runs on the new A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. The six-core CPU provides 50% greater memory bandwidth compared to the A19 Pro. Neural engines are integrated into the chip. According to Apple, the seven-core GPU operates up to 40% faster than the GPU in the A19 Pro. AI and computational photography tasks are processed by the new 16-core dual-block neural engine. In total, the A20 Pro has 32 cores, which, according to Apple, doubles the AI computing power compared to the A19 Pro.
Both models are also equipped with Apple's new N1 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The iPhone 18 Pro receives Apple's new C2 cellular modem for the first time, which uses artificial intelligence to improve connection quality and reliability. It provides significantly higher download speeds than C1X while reducing power consumption by 15%. mmWave support has been added in the United States.
Cooling System
To maintain high performance, Apple developed a new cooling architecture for the A20 Pro, inspired by the Apple Silicon M series chips. The chip and memory are placed close to each other, moving the memory out of the chip's thermal path, while the A20 Pro is directly connected to a next-generation vapor chamber. This new vapor chamber has three times the surface area of the previous generation in the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple stated that this provides up to a 40% improvement in sustained performance, which is the best result in iPhone history.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are equipped with new battery designs and more efficient utilization of chip capabilities. eSIM-only versions provide up to 36 hours of video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 45 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro can charge to 50% in about 15 minutes via cable or in 30 minutes wirelessly. On the iPhone 18 Pro Max, five minutes of wired charging provides about seven hours of video playback. According to the new energy consumption assessment method, based on real-world usage data, the device can last up to 30 hours on a full charge.
iOS 27 and Siri AI
The new Siri AI will be available in beta with iOS 27. Apple describes it as a completely new version of Siri built on Apple Intelligence. Siri AI can use the user's personal context and find relevant information in messages, emails, photos, and other data. The Screen Awareness feature allows the assistant to perform actions related to information displayed on the screen and answer questions on almost any topic. Siri can also interact with objects the user sees through the Camera app, providing information and performing corresponding actions. Tasks can be described using natural language.
Apple Intelligence extends the capabilities of other apps. For example, photos can be edited using Spatial Reframing, Extend, and the updated Clean Up feature. Image Playground can create photorealistic images. In Safari, the Notify Me feature tracks changes on web pages, including product availability or price drops. To protect data, Apple uses on-device AI processing and Private Cloud Compute.
iOS 27 will also introduce a redesigned interface based on Liquid Glass and additional personalization options. New parental controls will allow users to manage content, contacts, and screen time available to children. The iPhone Handoff feature will allow users on supported carriers to switch between two iPhone models while keeping the same phone number.
eSIM and Connectivity
Apple places special emphasis on eSIM, which the company believes offers greater flexibility and security compared to physical SIM cards, and also helps improve battery life. eSIM is supported by over 500 carriers worldwide. eSIM-only versions of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be sold in Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, United States, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The absence of a physical SIM slot frees up space for a larger battery and provides up to two extra hours of video playback.
Colors and Accessories
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in four colors: black, silver, glacial, and a new burgundy. Apple introduced silicone and transparent cases, TechWoven cases, Crossbody Strap and Wrist Strap accessories, and FineWoven wallets for smartphones. The transparent case has been redesigned and is compatible with the Crossbody Strap and Wrist Strap. The Wrist Strap is designed so users can carry their iPhone, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3 hands-free. The strap is made from 100% recycled polyester fiber and features flexible magnets. It will be available in black, taupe, olive, bright blue, purple, and burgundy.
Environmental Features
With the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple continues its plan to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire business chain by 2030. Overall, 40% of the materials used in both models are recycled. The battery contains 100% recycled cobalt, and the casing is made from 85% recycled aluminum. 50% of the energy throughout the supply chain comes from renewable sources, including wind and solar power. The devices also meet Apple's requirements for energy efficiency and safe chemical use. The paper packaging for the iPhone is made entirely from fibrous materials and can be recycled at home.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in storage capacities of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. In the United States, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1199 USD, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1299 USD. Pre-orders in over 65 countries and regions begin at 5 AM Pacific Time on September 12th. Sales start on September 18th. Devices will arrive in another 20 countries and regions on September 25th.
iOS 27 will be available as a free software update on September 14th. Apple Intelligence will also be available with iOS 27 on supported devices and languages. Siri AI will launch in beta on September 14th for supported devices set to English. Support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish will arrive in October. Apple noted separately that the availability of individual features may vary depending on the region, language, local laws, and regulatory requirements. The company is also extending free access to satellite features for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users for another year if they activated their devices in countries where the respective features are supported, until midnight Pacific Time on September 9th. For new iPhone owners, Apple offers various service and support options through AppleCare and cloud storage through iCloud+. New buyers of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max can also receive three months of Apple One for free. This offer is available in select countries and regions starting September 17th.