CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has announced the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both equipped with significant camera, performance, and battery enhancements. These new devices showcase a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with an adjustable aperture, marking a first for the iPhone. Powered by the latest A20 Pro chip and featuring a revamped thermal system, both models are available for preorders starting September 12, with retail stores opening on September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.
The camera system on the iPhone 18 Pro introduces four different aperture options to manage lighting and depth of field. Its main sensor supports f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4.0 apertures. The device also includes 48-megapixel Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses. New Pro controls allow users to modify aperture, shutter speed, and white balance directly within the Camera app. Additionally, users can see a histogram while capturing photos or videos.
Apple has also launched Reference Image, a feature users can opt into to verify photo authenticity. When taking a photo in Reference mode, sensor data is signed and saved. This data forms a reference image that can be compared with an edited version in the Photos app. Support for image metadata and the SynthID standard is also being added, with SynthID support arriving through a software update later in 2026.
Camera controls expand with variable aperture
The A20 Pro chip is built using a 2-nanometer process. It features a six-core CPU and a seven-core GPU. The chip also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with 32 cores for AI tasks. Apple claims the GPU offers up to 40% faster performance than the A19 Pro. A redesigned vapor chamber increases heat dissipation and supports sustained performance. The models also support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, enabled by Apple’s N1 wireless chip.
Battery life improves across the iPhone 18 Pro range. Apple rates the eSIM-only versions of the Pro for up to 36 hours of video playback. The Pro Max can reach 45 hours under the same conditions. The iPhone 18 Pro can charge to 50% in about 15 minutes using compatible wired accessories. Removing the physical SIM tray provides extra space for batteries in eSIM-only models, which will be available in several Middle Eastern markets.
Siri AI arrives with iOS 27
The new devices come with iOS 27 and support Siri AI through Apple Intelligence. Siri AI enters beta on September 14 for supported devices with English language support. French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish will follow in October. The software leverages personal data from messages, email, and photos to process requests. It can also respond to on-screen content. Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute for supported cloud tasks.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the United States, with the Pro Max at $1,299. Both models offer options for 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. Colors include burgundy, glacier, silver, and black. In the UAE, the iPhone 18 Pro begins at AED 5,099. Preorders open on September 12, with sales starting on September 18. An additional 20 countries and regions are set to receive the devices on September 25.