CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has announced the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, bringing enhancements in camera technology, battery capacity, and processing performance. Both devices are equipped with the latest A20 Pro chip and feature a redesigned vapor chamber to maintain high performance levels. The company also introduced a smaller Dynamic Island and advanced camera controls tailored for professional users. Preorders will open on September 12, with official sales starting September 18 across over 65 countries and regions.
The most notable camera upgrade is a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. This lens utilizes six internal blades allowing it to transition between four aperture settings. Users can manually adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and white balance directly within the Camera app. Additionally, a histogram displays exposure levels as scenes are framed. The upgraded imaging system introduces new controls for texture and grain in Photographic Styles, while video shooters can add Cinematic effects after recording.
Apple is also launching Reference Image, a feature for verifying whether a photo has been edited. This optional feature captures signed sensor data when a picture is taken in Reference mode. The Private Cloud Compute then processes this data to create a reference image for comparison within the Photos app. Apple plans to add support for the SynthID standard through a software update later this year. Metadata embedded in images will serve as another method to identify AI-generated or modified content.
Variable aperture offers enhanced control for photographers
Powered by the new 2-nanometer process, the A20 Pro chip integrates a six-core CPU and a seven-core GPU. Apple states that the GPU can operate up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. The chip also features a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with a total of 32 cores dedicated to AI tasks. A novel thermal design positions the processor closer to a larger vapor chamber, enabling the system to deliver up to 40% higher sustained performance compared to the previous generation.
Battery capacity has also been increased, especially in models that rely solely on eSIM. Apple claims the iPhone 18 Pro can last up to 36 hours during video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max can reach 45 hours under similar conditions. The Pro models can achieve 50% charge in approximately 15 minutes using compatible wired accessories. eSIM-only variants will be available in markets such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with several other countries outside the region.
iOS 27 introduces Siri AI to the latest Pro models
Running on iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro series supports the upcoming generation of Apple Intelligence. Siri AI enters beta on September 14 for supported devices set to English. Support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish is expected in October. The assistant can leverage data from messages, emails, and photos upon user requests. It can also interpret on-screen content and integrate with the Camera app. Apple Intelligence combines on-device processing with Private Cloud Compute for certain cloud-based functions.
Both models will be available in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. The iPhone 18 Pro’s starting price is $1,199 in the United States, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299. Preorders will open at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12, with retail sales commencing September 18 in the initial markets. An additional 20 countries and regions will receive the iPhone 18 Pro lineup starting September 25.