CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring upgrades to their cameras, battery performance, and processing units. Both devices are equipped with the new A20 Pro chip and a redesigned vapor chamber for consistent high performance. Additionally, Apple has introduced a smaller Dynamic Island and enhanced camera controls tailored for professional users. Preorders will start on September 12, with retail sales beginning September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.
The most notable camera upgrade is a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with a variable aperture. Six internal blades enable the lens to shift between four different aperture settings. Users can directly modify aperture, shutter speed, and white balance within the Camera app. A histogram also displays exposure levels as scenes are framed. The updated imaging system introduces new texture and grain options to Photographic Styles, while video creators can apply Cinematic effects after capturing footage.
Apple is also rolling out Reference Image, a feature designed for users who need to verify whether an image has been edited. This opt-in capability captures signed sensor data when a photo is taken in Reference mode. Private Cloud Compute then processes this data into a reference image for comparison within the Photos app. Support for the SynthID standard will be added through a software update later this year. Image metadata will serve as another method to identify AI-generated or edited content.
Variable aperture enhances professional control
The A20 Pro chip is fabricated using a 2-nanometer process and features a six-core CPU paired with a seven-core GPU. Apple states the GPU can operate up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. The chip also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with 32 cores dedicated to AI tasks. A new thermal design places the processor closer to a larger vapor chamber, which Apple claims can deliver up to 40% higher sustained performance compared to the previous generation.
Battery capacity is also increased, especially on models with eSIM-only support. Apple estimates the iPhone 18 Pro can last up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max can go up to 45 hours under the same testing conditions. The Pro models can reach 50% charge in roughly 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, among others outside the region.
iOS 27 integrates Siri AI for the new Pro models
Running on iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro series supports the latest version of Apple Intelligence. Siri AI enters beta on September 14 for supported devices configured for English. Apple plans to expand support to French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish by October. The AI assistant can leverage information from messages, emails, and photos when users seek assistance. It can also respond to on-screen content and work with the Camera app. Apple Intelligence combines on-device processing with Private Cloud Compute to handle cloud tasks securely.
Available in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black, the iPhone 18 Pro models will be offered with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. In the United States, the iPhone 18 Pro begins at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Preorders will open at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12, and retail sales will begin on September 18 in initial markets. An additional 20 countries and regions will receive the iPhone 18 Pro lineup starting September 25.