Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026, with a variable-aperture 48MP main Camera, A20 Pro processing, redesigned thermal management, expanded AI capabilities, and longer battery life. The models will come in four finishes and multiple storage capacities in selected markets, with pre-orders starting September 12 and availability on September 18.
The new 48MP Fusion Main Camera introduces aperture control to iPhone for the first time. Its six laser-cut blades enable aperture changes, with four manual settings available in the Camera app. Apple is also providing an aperture-control API for developers, while the Pro controls add manual aperture, shutter-speed, and white-balance adjustments plus histogram access.
Apple has officially introduced iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring the new A20 Pro chip alongside major upgrades to cameras, performance, battery life, and Apple Intelligence.
The new 48MP Fusion Main camera brings variable aperture to iPhone for the first time, allowing the camera to adjust for lighting and depth of field. Apple is also introducing Apple Reference Image, which uses signed sensor data to create a verifiable reference that can help identify whether a photo has been altered.
A20 Pro is built on a 2-nanometer process and is paired with a redesigned vapor chamber for improved sustained performance. The phones also feature Apple’s N1 wireless chip and new C2 cellular modem.
The lineup introduces a smaller Dynamic Island and ships with iOS 27, including the new Siri AI experience. Siri can use personal context and on-screen information to better understand requests and take actions across the system.
Apple says iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers the biggest battery-life increase ever on iPhone. The devices will be available in black, silver, glacier, and a new burgundy finish, with storage options up to 2TB.
Pre-orders begin September 12, with availability starting September 18. U.S. pricing starts at $1,199 for iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Variable aperture expands the camera controls available on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max and makes the feature available to third-party apps through Apple’s API. The September 12 pre-order date and September 18 availability date also establish the launch timeline for both models.
Start with the primary evidence, then review supporting sources and context.
“Apple announced iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, delivering an advanced pro camera system and improved battery life and performance.”
Apple’s text describes the iPhone 18 Pro with a vapor-cooled A20 Pro chip, AI capabilities, and a new 48MP Fusion Main Camera, while claiming that the iPhone 18 Pro Max adds six hours of video playback over the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
LGT Shop has published rumor-based details about the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro range and expected iPhone Ultra, alongside images identified as AI-generated and not from Apple.
9to5Mac presented an AI-generated mock advertisement showing the rumored dark cherry finish for iPhone 18 Pro models. Apple’s September 9 event was described as set to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a foldable iPhone Ultra, and other hardware.
Recommended from Apple topics and recent confidence changes
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