CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring a new variable-aperture camera system, extended battery life, and the powerful A20 Pro chip. These flagship models introduce manual camera controls and a redesigned Dynamic Island interface. Both variants operate on iOS 27 and support Siri AI through Apple Intelligence. Preorders begin on September 12, with devices available starting September 18 in over 65 countries and regions.
The 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera now offers users the option to select from four different aperture settings. Six laser-cut blades manage the lens opening, influencing depth of field and light intake. Additionally, users can modify 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 after capture, and time-lapse recording now supports 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced quality.
Another key addition is the Reference Image feature, which captures signed sensor data when users activate Reference mode. This information is then processed by Private Cloud Compute to generate a reference image that can be compared within the Photos app. The purpose of this feature is to assist users in verifying whether an image has been altered after capture. Support for SynthID is expected to be added later this year through a software update. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, stated that the new lineup advances camera capabilities, overall performance, battery life, and intelligence functionalities.
The revamped camera system provides users with enhanced manual controls
The A20 Pro processor is built using a 2-nanometer manufacturing process and features a six-core CPU paired with a seven-core GPU. It is also equipped with a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, totaling 32 cores. Apple claims the GPU offers up to 40% faster performance compared to the A19 Pro. The device also includes a redesigned vapor chamber that enlarges the cooling surface area. This thermal system, combined with updated chip packaging, supports sustained high performance during intensive tasks.
Battery life sees improvements across both Pro models, especially in eSIM-only versions. The iPhone 18 Pro can deliver up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max extends this to 45 hours. Wired charging can bring the battery to 50% in roughly 15 minutes. The eSIM-only variants will be launched in markets such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with several other countries outside the Middle East.
Siri AI features are expanded with Apple Intelligence in iOS 27
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come with iOS 27, granting access to the latest Apple Intelligence tools. Siri AI enters beta testing on September 14 for supported devices configured to support English. Support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish is expected to arrive in October. Siri AI leverages messages, emails, and photos to provide relevant information when prompted. It can also interpret on-screen content and assist with tasks via the Camera app.
Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro begins at $1,199 in the United States, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299. Customers can select 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, with the first wave of sales starting on September 18 in select markets. An additional 20 countries and regions will receive the iPhone 18 Pro lineup from September 25.