CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max featuring a variable-aperture camera system, extended battery life, and the new A20 Pro chip. These flagship devices also introduce manual camera controls and a redesigned Dynamic Island interface. Both models operate on iOS 27 and incorporate Siri AI through Apple Intelligence. Preorders commence on September 12, with units becoming available starting September 18 in over 65 countries and regions.
The 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera now allows users to select from four different aperture modes, controlled by six laser-cut blades that manage the lens opening, adjust depth of field, and optimize light intake. Additionally, users can modify shutter speed and white balance within the Camera app. The new professional controls include a histogram feature for exposure monitoring. Video capabilities include Cinematic effects that can be applied after recording at up to 60 frames per second, and time-lapse recordings now support 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR.
The updated camera system also introduces a Reference Image feature, which captures signed sensor data when users activate Reference mode. Private Cloud Compute then processes this data into a reference image for comparison within the Photos app, aiming to help users determine if an image has been altered after capture. Support for SynthID will be added via a software update later this year. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, stated that the new lineup advances camera capabilities, performance, battery life, and intelligence.
The new camera system offers enhanced manual controls
Powered by the A20 Pro processor, which utilizes a 2-nanometer manufacturing process, the device features a six-core CPU paired with a seven-core GPU. It also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with a total of 32 cores. Apple claims the GPU is up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. A redesigned vapor chamber increases the surface area for cooling, working in tandem with an updated chip packaging to support sustained high performance during demanding tasks.
Battery life improves across both Pro models, with the most significant gains seen in the eSIM-only variants. The iPhone 18 Pro can deliver up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max extends that to 45 hours. Wired charging can bring the battery to 50% in approximately 15 minutes. eSIM-only models will be introduced in markets such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with several countries outside the Middle East.
Siri AI enhances Apple Intelligence capabilities with iOS 27
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come with iOS 27 and access to the latest features of Apple Intelligence. Siri AI will enter beta on September 14 for supported devices set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish expected to follow in October. Siri AI can draw from messages, emails, and photos when users seek information, respond to on-screen content, and assist with tasks through the Camera app.
The starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro in the United States is $1,199, while the Pro Max begins at $1,299. Customers can choose storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB, with finishes available in black, silver, glacier, and burgundy. Orders will open at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12, with sales beginning on September 18 in the initial markets. An additional 20 countries and regions will receive the iPhone 18 Pro lineup starting September 25.