CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has revealed the new iPhone 18 Pro along with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, bringing significant upgrades to the camera, performance, and battery life. These latest devices are equipped with a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera that offers a variable aperture—a first for the iPhone. Both models are powered by the advanced A20 Pro processor and incorporate a redesigned thermal system. Customers can begin preordering on September 12, with in-store sales starting September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.
The camera system on the iPhone 18 Pro introduces four selectable aperture settings to help manage lighting and depth of field effects. Its primary camera supports apertures of f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4.0. Additionally, the system includes 48-megapixel Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses. New Pro controls enable users to adjust parameters such as aperture, shutter speed, and white balance directly within the Camera app. Users can also view a histogram while capturing photos or videos.
Apple has also launched Reference Image, a feature that requires user opt-in and assists in authenticating photographs. When a photo is taken in Reference mode, the system captures signed sensor data, creating a reference image. This allows users to compare the original data with an edited version within the Photos app. The company is further supporting image metadata and the SynthID standard, with SynthID support arriving through a software update later in 2026.
Enhanced camera controls now include variable aperture options
The A20 Pro chip is built using a 2-nanometer manufacturing process and features a six-core CPU alongside a seven-core GPU. It also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with 32 total cores dedicated to AI tasks. Apple claims the GPU offers performance that is up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. A redesigned vapor chamber increases surface area, boosting sustained performance. The devices also feature Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support via Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip.
Battery life is also improved across the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Apple rates the eSIM-only versions of the Pro models for up to 36 hours of video playback. The Pro Max model can reach up to 45 hours under the same conditions. The iPhone 18 Pro can attain a 50% charge in roughly 15 minutes using compatible wired accessories. Removing the physical SIM tray creates more space for the battery in eSIM-only models, which will be available in several Middle Eastern markets.
Siri AI features arrive with iOS 27 update
The latest iPhones come preloaded with iOS 27, supporting Siri AI through Apple Intelligence. Siri AI enters beta testing on September 14 for compatible devices set to English. Support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish is expected to roll out in October. The software can utilize personal data from messages, emails, and photos when handling requests. It is also capable of responding to on-screen content. Apple Intelligence performs on-device processing and uses Private Cloud Compute for supported cloud-based functions.
Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the United States, while the Pro Max begins at $1,299. Both variants are available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. Color choices include burgundy, glacier, silver, and black. In the UAE, the iPhone 18 Pro begins at AED 5,099. Preorders start on September 12, with sales beginning September 18. An additional 20 countries and regions are expected to receive the devices on September 25.