Apple on Wednesday unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing its latest flagship smartphones with a new 2nm A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture camera technology, improved battery life and enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The new models come with colour-matched back glass and are available in Deep Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy finishes.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at USD 1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at USD 1,299, with both models offering 256GB storage at the entry level. Pre-orders will begin on September 12, with sales starting September 18.
In India, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage capacities. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900.
The new Pro models are powered by the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2nm process. The six-core CPU includes two performance cores and four efficiency cores, while the seven-core GPU delivers up to 40 per cent higher performance, according to Apple. A second Neural Engine takes the total number of NPU cores to 32, supporting Apple Intelligence and other AI workloads.
Apple has also introduced a new three-times larger vapour chamber to improve heat management during intensive tasks such as gaming and video processing.
The biggest camera change comes with a 48MP Fusion main camera featuring a variable aperture. The six-blade aperture can open wider in low-light conditions to allow more light into the camera, while also providing greater control over depth of field. Apple has added new professional camera controls, including the ability to adjust shutter speed.
For video, the phones can record 4K time-lapse footage in Dolby Vision HDR, while Apple has introduced additional photography and video controls aimed at professional users.
The devices also bring improvements to Apple Intelligence and Siri, including more expressive AI voices. Apple has additionally highlighted SynthID support and its Apple Reference Image standard for helping identify AI-generated or AI-assisted content.
Battery life has received a major boost, with Apple claiming up to 36 hours of video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro and 45 hours on the Pro Max. The company said the iPhone 18 Pro can gain up to six hours of video playback with 15 minutes of wired charging. The new Pro models feature a smaller Dynamic Island and expanded support for Live Activities.
The launch is the first major iPhone event under John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook as Apple’s CEO earlier this month. Ternus, previously Apple’s hardware engineering chief, is taking charge as the company faces increasing competition in artificial intelligence and premium smartphones.
