Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its fall Surprise and Shine iPhone event, positioning upgraded cameras as the centerpiece of the new Pro lineup. The design of both phones carries over from the previous generation, but the camera system and several internal components have changed. The devices are aimed at US buyers who preorder on Saturday and can purchase them starting September 18.
The new Pro camera uses a 48-megapixel sensor with a variable aperture built from six thin blades. Apple indicated the system is likely to improve low-light photo quality and speed. The camera software adds professional controls for white balance, shutter speed, aperture, and histogram, along with new photographic styles that include texture and grain controls. Those styles may serve as Apple's response to the new looks feature on the Pixel 11 series for a more retro appearance.
Video capabilities were also expanded. The camera can record 4K video in Dolby HDR Vision and can apply cinematic effects after footage has been shot. On the front of the device, the dynamic island is now smaller and can track three live activities instead of two.
Both phones run on Apple's latest A20 Pro silicon and include a newly designed vapor chamber for improved cooling. Apple also improved the battery with a better design. According to the company, the iPhone 18 Pro supports 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max supports 45 hours.
Apple showed off a new Siri AI with contextual on-screen intelligence. The company said the new Siri AI will support English in beta at launch with the iOS 27 rollout this month, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish support arriving in October. The new devices will also get an iPhone handoff feature with iOS 27 that allows two iPhones to be used with one eSIM and switched back and forth between them.
Apple is introducing a burgundy color that replaces the orange from the previous lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro is priced at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max is priced at $1,299, which is $100 more than last year's devices. Preorders open Saturday, and the devices will be available on September 18.
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