CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has launched the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring a camera with a variable aperture, extended battery life, and the latest A20 Pro chip. These flagship devices also showcase upgraded 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 official availability starting September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.
The 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera now offers users the ability to select from four different aperture settings. Six laser-cut blades regulate the lens opening, influencing depth of field and light intake. Additionally, users can manually adjust shutter speed and white balance within the Camera app. The new Pro controls include a histogram for monitoring exposure levels. Video recording includes cinematic effects at up to 60 frames per second, with time-lapse support now offering 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR.
A new Reference Image feature records signed sensor data when Reference mode is activated. The Private Cloud Compute feature converts this data into a reference image, which can be compared within the Photos app. This functionality aims to assist users in determining if an image has changed after capture. Support for SynthID will be introduced later this year via a software update. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, emphasized that the new lineup advances camera technology, performance, battery life, and intelligence.
The camera system now offers more detailed manual controls
Powered by the A20 Pro processor built on a 2-nanometer process, the device features a six-core CPU and a seven-core GPU. It also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with a total of 32 cores. Apple states the GPU performs up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. The new vapor chamber design increases the cooling surface area, while the updated thermal system, combined with advanced chip packaging, supports sustained high performance even during intensive tasks.
Battery life has improved across both Pro models, especially on eSIM-only versions. The iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max extends that duration to 45 hours. Wired charging can boost the battery to 50% in roughly 15 minutes. eSIM-only variants will be available in markets such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with several other countries outside the Middle East.
Siri AI expands with Apple Intelligence on iOS 27
Preloaded with iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will access the latest features of Apple Intelligence. Siri AI begins beta testing on September 14 for supported devices with English language support. French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish support will follow in October. Siri AI can analyze messages, emails, and photos when users request information. It also responds to screen content and assists with tasks through the Camera app.
Pricing starts at $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro in the United States, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299. Customers can select from 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage options. Available finishes include black, silver, glacier, and burgundy. Orders open at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12, with sales beginning September 18 in the initial markets. An additional 20 countries and regions will receive the iPhone 18 Pro lineup starting September 25.
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