CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has announced the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring a new variable-aperture camera system and the A20 Pro processor. These devices also offer extended battery life, advanced professional camera controls, and a more compact Dynamic Island. Both models operate on iOS 27 and include Apple Intelligence features, such as Siri AI. The lineup is available in black, silver, glacier, and burgundy. Preorders start on September 12, with the first retail sales scheduled for September 18.
The 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera introduces aperture control for the first time on an iPhone. Six laser-cut blades adjust between four aperture settings to optimize light intake and depth of field, with users able to manually select these options in the Camera app. Additionally, new Pro controls allow direct adjustment of shutter speed and white balance. A histogram feature enables photographers to monitor exposure in real time. Apple has also enhanced Photographic Styles by adding controls for texture and grain, allowing for further customization prior to sharing images.
Video functionalities see significant upgrades across the iPhone 18 Pro series. Users can apply Cinematic effects after recording at up to 60 frames per second. Time-lapse videos now support 4K recording with Dolby Vision HDR. Enhanced Audio Mix algorithms improve voice clarity and can isolate music sounds. The new Apple Reference Image feature captures signed sensor data in an optional Reference mode, which, combined with Private Cloud Compute, generates a reference image that users can compare within the Photos app.
Camera enhancements emphasize control and image verification
Powered by the A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, the device combines a six-core CPU with a seven-core GPU. Apple claims the GPU offers up to 40% faster performance than the A19 Pro. The chip’s Dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers 32 cores dedicated to AI tasks and computational photography. The thermal system has been redesigned around a next-generation vapor chamber, with a surface area three times larger than the previous version. This design supports up to 40% higher sustained performance, according to Apple’s testing.
Battery life improves on both Pro models, with eSIM-only variants gaining extra capacity due to the removal of the SIM tray. The iPhone 18 Pro delivers up to 36 hours of video playback under Apple’s testing conditions, while the Pro Max lasts up to 45 hours. Wired charging can reach 50% in approximately 15 minutes. The eSIM-only versions will be available in Bahrain, Canada, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other supported regions.
Siri AI and iOS 27 bring software enhancements
With the release of iOS 27, Siri AI arrives on the new devices as part of the latest Apple Intelligence update. Siri AI is initially rolling out in beta on September 14 for supported devices configured in English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish scheduled for October. The assistant can utilize personal context from messages, emails, and photos when users seek information. It can also respond to on-screen content and assist via the Camera app. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s worldwide marketing chief, emphasized improvements in camera, performance, battery life, and intelligence.
Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the United States, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299. Both models come with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Preorders will be available in over 65 countries and regions starting at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12. The initial sales phase begins on September 18 in select markets, with an additional 20 countries and regions receiving the new devices on September 25, completing the planned rollout.