Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, bringing major upgrades to the camera, performance, battery life and artificial intelligence capabilities. The new Pro models feature Apple’s most advanced iPhone camera system yet, the A20 Pro chip, an upgraded Dynamic Island and the next generation of Apple Intelligence with the all-new Siri AI.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in four finishes — black, silver, glacier and the new burgundy colour.
iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max price in India
In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900.
Both models will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options. Pre-orders in India and more than 65 other countries and regions will begin at 5 a.m. PT on Saturday, September 12, with the phones going on sale from Friday, September 18.
iPhone 18 Pro gets a major camera upgrade
The biggest camera upgrade comes in the form of a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. Apple says this is the first time an iPhone has offered aperture control.
The camera uses six laser-cut blades that smoothly adjust between four aperture settings. This allows the camera to automatically optimise depth of field and lighting while also giving professional users greater manual control.
The upgraded camera system is designed to deliver improved low-light photography, sharper details and better results in group photographs.
Apple has also introduced new Pro controls in the Camera app, allowing users to manually adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed and white balance. A histogram is also available to help users monitor exposure.
The company has further upgraded Photographic Styles with new texture and grain controls. Video capabilities have also been expanded, including the ability to apply Cinematic effects after recording to videos shot at up to 60fps.
Apple introduces Reference Image for photo authenticity
Apple is also introducing Apple Reference Image, a new feature aimed at helping users verify the authenticity of photographs captured on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
The new Main camera sensor can sign the pixels it captures. In Reference mode, the camera records signed sensor data that is processed through Private Cloud Compute into an unalterable reference image.
Users can view the reference image alongside the original photograph in the Photos app, allowing them to compare the two and identify whether changes have been made.
Apple says image metadata and planned support for the SynthID standard will also help identify images that have been generated or edited using AI.
Smaller Dynamic Island
The iPhone 18 Pro models feature a redesigned, smaller Dynamic Island that provides additional room for information.
The upgraded Dynamic Island can display up to three Live Activities simultaneously, while continuing to support Face ID for unlocking the phone, authenticating purchases and signing into apps.
A20 Pro chip brings faster performance
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is powered by the new A20 Pro chip, built using a 2-nanometre process.
The six-core CPU features integrated Neural Accelerators and offers 50 per cent more memory bandwidth than the A19 Pro. The seven-core GPU is claimed to be up to 40 per cent faster than the previous generation.
The A20 Pro also features a new Dual 16-core Neural Engine, providing significantly greater AI processing power for on-device artificial intelligence and computational photography.
Apple has also introduced the N1 wireless networking chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread connectivity.
New thermal system and improved battery life
Apple has redesigned the thermal management system in the iPhone 18 Pro models. A new vapour chamber with three times more surface area than the previous generation is designed to improve sustained performance.
According to Apple, the new thermal system enables up to a 40 per cent improvement in sustained performance compared with the previous generation.
Battery life has also received a major boost. The eSIM-only models offer up to 36 hours of video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 45 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The iPhone 18 Pro can charge up to 50 per cent in around 15 minutes, while the Pro Max can deliver around seven hours of video playback from five minutes of wired charging.
iOS 27 and new Siri AI
The iPhone 18 Pro models will run on iOS 27 and support the next generation of Apple Intelligence.
The biggest AI addition is Siri AI, which Apple says is a more personal, capable and conversational version of Siri.
Siri AI can use personal context to help users find information across messages, emails and photos. It can also understand what is displayed on the screen and take relevant actions.
The Camera app will also feature a Siri mode that allows users to ask questions about objects and scenes in front of them.
Apple says its AI features rely on on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to maintain privacy and security.
iPhone 18 Pro colours and accessories
The new iPhone 18 Pro models will be available in black, silver, glacier and burgundy.
Apple is also introducing new accessories, including Silicone Cases, TechWoven Cases, Crossbody Straps and FineWoven Wallets.
In India, the TechWoven Case with MagSafe will cost ₹6,900, while the Clear Case with MagSafe and Silicone Case with MagSafe will cost ₹5,900 each. The FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe will be priced at ₹6,900.
iPhone 18 Pro India availability
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for pre-order in India from September 12, with availability beginning September 18.
iPhone 18 Pro India price at a glance
- iPhone 18 Pro: Starting at ₹1,64,900
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: Starting at ₹1,79,900
- Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB
- Colours: Black, silver, glacier and burgundy
- Pre-orders: September 12
- Sale: September 18