Apple introduces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with A20 Pro chip
Search+The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's Paper Apple introduces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture camera, up to 45-hour battery life, starts…
Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, showcasing the cutting-edge A20 Pro chip that promises remarkable performance improvements. Featuring an innovative 48MP Fusion sensor with a variable aperture, these models ensure stunning photography. Highlights include enhanced battery longevity and superior thermal management, alongside advanced AI functionalities and improvements to Siri.
Listen to this article in summarized format
Loading...×Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, bringing major upgrades across performance, on-device AI, cameras, battery life and thermal management. At the heart of the new Pro models is the A20 Pro chip, which delivers significant gains in CPU, GPU and neural processing while enabling more powerful on-device Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 in the US.The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max also introduce a new 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture, giving users greater control over light, depth of field and the overall look of photos and videos. Apple has also added new professional camera controls, improved video capabilities and enhanced AI-powered photography tools.
iPhone 18 Pro launched at $ 1,119
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are powered by the new A20 Pro chip, built around a redesigned architecture focused on performance and efficiency. The chip features a six-core CPU with new performance and efficiency cores, with CPU performance up to 20% faster than the previous generation. The GPU has also received a major upgrade, with a seven-core design delivering significant gains in graphics performance and AI-powered image generation.The new neural engine is specifically designed for on-device AI workloads, with a 32-core design and support for advanced 8-bit floating-point operations. Together, the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine improvements make the A20 Pro significantly more capable of running demanding Apple Intelligence features directly on the iPhone. Apple has also increased memory bandwidth by 50%, helping the device handle larger AI models and demanding applications more efficiently.
More powerful Apple Intelligence and Siri
The new Pro models bring deeper Apple Intelligence capabilities, including access to Apple's latest Foundation models and more powerful on-device AI models. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro can run its most advanced on-device models yet, enabling features such as enhanced image generation, smarter photo editing and more capable Siri interactions.You Might Also Like:
From iPhone Duo to AirPods 5: Everything Apple launched at its September event, with India, US prices, specs & more
Siri is also getting a major upgrade. Users can interact with Siri more naturally, continue conversations across Apple devices and use the assistant to take actions across supported apps. Siri can understand information displayed through the camera and help users act on what they see. Apple Intelligence also brings more personalised capabilities, including creating automations through natural-language instructions, finding information across apps and generating images through Image Playground.
Apple says the new capabilities will work across more than 3,000 apps, allowing developers to integrate Apple's AI features into everyday workflows.
New 48MP camera with variable aperture
One of the biggest upgrades comes to the camera system. The iPhone 18 Pro introduces a new 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture, giving users more control over how much light enters the camera and how much of the scene remains in focus.The variable-aperture system can automatically adjust depending on the scene, while also allowing users to manually control the aperture for greater creative flexibility. A wider aperture can create a shallower depth of field, while a narrower aperture can keep more of the scene in focus. Apple has also introduced new Pro controls, allowing users to manually adjust settings such as white balance, exposure, histogram and shutter speed.
You Might Also Like:
iPhone 18 series, foldable iPhone launch in India: When and where to watch Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ event. Check date, time, expected product features
For video creators, the iPhone 18 Pro adds more advanced controls and improved cinematic capabilities. Users can adjust shutter speed for motion blur, while AI-powered smart focus tracking can maintain focus on moving subjects. The new system also supports improved Dolby Vision HDR video and enhanced audio recording capabilities.
New tools for photographers
Apple is also expanding its computational photography capabilities. Photographic Styles now offer additional control over texture and grain, allowing users to create more distinctive looks while retaining control over colour and skin tones. The iPhone 18 Pro also introduces a new approach to preserving image authenticity. Apple says captured images can retain additional information that can be used to verify what was actually recorded by the camera.Together with the new variable-aperture camera and Pro controls, Apple says the system is designed to offer greater flexibility for both everyday photography and professional workflows.
Improved thermal management
Apple has redesigned the thermal architecture of the iPhone 18 Pro to help sustain the higher performance of the A20 Pro chip. The new thermal system features a next-generation vapour chamber with three times the surface area of the system used in the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also introduced new thermal materials, including a nano-twin copper material designed to move heat away from the display more effectively. The company says the redesigned thermal system can deliver up to a 40% improvement in sustained performance compared with the previous-generation Pro model.You Might Also Like:
7 biggest iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max features for the first time on Apple devices: Variable-aperture camera to silicon battery
Longest battery life ever on an iPhone
Battery life is another major focus of the new Pro models. The iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers up to 45 hours, giving the Max model the longest battery life ever offered on an iPhone. Apple has also improved charging, with the iPhone 18 Pro capable of reaching 50% charge in around 15 minutes under supported conditions.More connectivity and iOS 27 features
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max also benefit from new software and connectivity features in iOS 27. Apple says AirDrop transfers are up to 80% faster, while connectivity has been improved with smarter transitions between Wi-Fi networks. A new feature called iPhone Handoff allows a single phone number to be used across two iPhones, with the number becoming active on whichever iPhone the user picks up. The Pro models also feature an upgraded Dynamic Island, while iOS 27 brings further customisation and improvements across apps including Mail and other system experiences.You Might Also Like:
iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Complete comparison, display, camera, processors, battery, AI features, and price in India
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max price and availability
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 in the US. Pre-orders for both models begin September 12, with availability starting September 18. With the A20 Pro chip, deeper on-device Apple Intelligence, a new variable-aperture 48MP camera, improved thermal architecture and the longest battery life ever on an iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max represent Apple's biggest Pro upgrade across performance, photography and AI.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! ( Originally published on Sep 09, 2026 )Read More News oniPhone 18 ProiPhone 18 Pro MaxA20 Pro chipApplevariable aperture cameraiOS 27 features48MP camerasmartphone
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
...morelessRead More News oniPhone 18 ProiPhone 18 Pro MaxA20 Pro chipApplevariable aperture cameraiOS 27 features48MP camerasmartphone(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
...morelessPrime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth EditionOne company, 2 words. Bond yield and CDS: Will they decide the fate of global markets?
Business of Odd Things: Inside an industry that farms fish that nobody is meant to eat
War's second-order effects are becoming visible in critical sectors
US mid-term elections – Part 2: What does it mean for Trump to lose control of Congress?
Homebuyers wait as NCLT panel picks holes in unfinished Jaypee projects
What is the real impact of 13x jump in cash transfers to women?
- 1
- 2
- 3
& personalised newslettersLogin NowUnlimited AccessStarting @ Rs120/monthGet access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &
in-depth stock reportsSubscribe NowET
Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL
15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers
Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00
I'd rather pay ₹2599 nowUh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.
Worry not. You’re just a step away.
Prime Account Detected!
It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with
Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits
Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.
Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!
Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off
Student Only OfferAlready a Member? Sign In nowAlready a Member? Sign In nowAlready a Member? Sign In nowOffer Exclusively For You
Save up to Rs. 700/-
ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP
Avail OfferOffer Exclusively For You
Get 1 Year Free
With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership
Avail OfferOffer Exclusively For You
Get 1 Year Free
With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership
Avail OfferOffer Exclusively For You
Get Flat 40% Off
Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year
Avail OfferOffer Exclusively For You
ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month
Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year
Avail OfferSpecial Offer
Get flat 40% off on ETPrime
Avail OfferAvail OfferClaim NowAlready a Member? Sign In nowNeed Assistance?
Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance
+91 9484700004'; }); } if(listing) { var h3 = "You tried reading " + listArr.length + " locked stories in the past " + threshold + " days.", h4 = "Become an ET Prime member and don't miss out on these exclusive stories."; var html = '' + h3 + '
' + h4 + '
- ' + listing + '
What’s Included with
ETPrime Membership
1Exclusive Insights That Matter
Uncover the truth with our investigative stories
Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies
Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends
Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter
Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US
What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.
Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?
The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy
A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year
2Invest Wisely With Smart Market Tools & Investment Ideas
Alpha Trade
Get daily trade ideas from SEBI-registered research analysts.
Investment Ideas
Grow your wealth with stock ideas & sectoral trends.
Stock Reports Plus
All-in-one stock research with Stock Score, peer comparison & key signals.
BigBull Portfolio
Get to know where the market bulls are investing to identify the right stocks.
Stock Analyzer
Check the score based on the company's fundamentals, solvency, growth, risk & ownership to decide the right stocks.
Market Mood
Analyze the market sentiments & identify the trend reversal for strategic decisions.
Stock Talk Live at 9 AM Daily
Ask your stock queries & get assured replies by ET appointed, SEBI registered experts.
3Stay informed anytime, anywhere with ET ePaper
ePaper - Print View
Read the PDF version of ET newspaper. Download & access it offline anytime.
ePaper - Digital View
Read your daily newspaper in Digital View & get it delivered to your inbox everyday.
Wealth Edition
Manage your money efficiently with this weekly money management guide.
TOI ePaper
Read the PDF version of TOI newspaper. Download & access it offline anytime.
Deep Explainers
Explore the In-depth explanation of complex topics for everyday life decisions.
Health+ Stories
Get fitter with daily health insights committed to your well-being.
Personal Finance+ Stories
Manage your wealth better with in-depth insights & updates on finance.
5Enjoy Complimentary Subscriptions From Top Brands
Stream new documentaries from all across the world every day.
Stories you might be interested in
Figures reflect the source report and its stated period. This article is for information and is not investment advice.
