CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has launched the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring a camera with a variable aperture, extended battery life, and the latest A20 Pro chip. These flagship devices introduce manual camera controls and a redesigned Dynamic Island. Both models operate on iOS 27 and incorporate Siri AI via Apple Intelligence. Preorders commence on September 12, with the phones becoming available starting September 18 in over 65 countries and regions.
The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera now offers users the option to select from four different aperture settings. Six laser-cut blades regulate the opening, influencing depth of field and light collection. Additionally, users can adjust shutter speed and white balance directly within the Camera app. The new Pro controls also feature a histogram to monitor exposure levels. Video recording capabilities include Cinematic effects at up to 60 frames per second, with time-lapse support now offering 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR.
A new Reference Image feature captures signed sensor data when users enable Reference mode. This data is then processed into a reference image within Private Cloud Compute, allowing users to compare images in the Photos app. The goal is to assist users in determining if an image has changed after it was taken. Support for SynthID will be added through a software update later this year. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, stated that the lineup advances camera technology, performance, battery life, and intelligence.
Enhanced manual controls in the new camera system
The A20 Pro chip is built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process and features a six-core CPU along with a seven-core GPU. It also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with a total of 32 cores. Apple claims the GPU delivers performance up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. A redesigned vapor chamber increases the cooling surface, working alongside updated chip packaging to sustain high performance during intensive tasks.
Battery life sees improvements across both Pro models, especially in eSIM-only variants. The iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max extends this to 45 hours. Fast wired charging can bring the battery to 50% in approximately 15 minutes. eSIM-only models will launch in markets including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with several other countries outside the Middle East.
Siri AI expands with Apple Intelligence in iOS 27
Preloaded with iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max gain access to the latest Apple Intelligence features. Siri AI begins beta testing on September 14 for supported devices set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish expected in October. Siri AI can utilize messages, emails, and photos to answer queries. It can also interpret on-screen content and assist with tasks via the Camera app.
The starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro is $1,199 in the United States, while the Pro Max begins at $1,299. Customers can select from storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. Available finishes include black, silver, glacier, and burgundy. Orders open at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12. Initial sales will begin September 18 in select markets, with another 20 countries and regions receiving the device lineup from September 25.