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Image: Apple
Published Sep 10, 2026. Prices, plans and specs last checked Nov 5, 2026.
The short version
iPhone 18 Pro $1,199, Pro Max $1,299 (US). Pre-orders Sept 12, in stores Sept 18. Big changes: a variable-aperture 48MP main camera, A20 Pro with a new vapor chamber, and what Apple calls the biggest battery-life jump ever on the Pro Max.
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Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026. This summary uses Apple's newsroom release. We have not used either phone.
Prices and dates
| iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| US starting price | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Pre-orders | Sept 12, 2026 | Sept 12, 2026 |
| Availability | Sept 18, 2026 | Sept 18, 2026 |
| Finishes | Black, silver, glacier, burgundy | Black, silver, glacier, burgundy |
What's new, per Apple
- Variable aperture. The 48MP Fusion Main camera uses six laser-cut blades to switch between four apertures, a first for iPhone. Pros can set it manually, and developers get an API.
- A20 Pro and a next-generation vapor chamber, which Apple says deliver the highest sustained performance in iPhone history.
- Battery. Apple says the Pro Max gets the largest increase in battery life ever on iPhone.
- A smaller Dynamic Island and Siri AI features.
- Video: Time-lapse in 4K Dolby Vision HDR, and Audio Mix can now isolate music.
Should you upgrade from an iPhone 17 Pro?
The camera's variable aperture is the change you'd notice most, and only if you shoot portraits or want control over depth of field. If your 17 Pro's battery is still healthy, there is no urgent reason to switch. Our 18 Pro Max vs 17 Pro Max comparison goes line by line.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real optical aperture control
- Clear US prices
- Bigger battery-life gains on Pro Max
Cons
- Prices start at $1,199
- Battery claims are Apple's own
- Camera gains need independent tests
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FAQ
When was the iPhone 18 Pro announced?
September 9, 2026.
How much does the iPhone 18 Pro Max cost?
From $1,299 in the US.
When can I buy it?
Pre-orders from Sept 12; in stores Sept 18.
Is this a review?
No. It summarises Apple's announcement.
How we researched this
This is a research-based review, not a hands-on test. We did not have these phones in hand. We compared the official specification pages from Apple, Google and Samsung with launch coverage and published reviews from established outlets, and we list every source below. Where sources disagree we say so. Battery and camera claims are the makers' own figures unless we name an independent reviewer. Prices are US launch prices from the official pages and can differ at carriers and retailers.
Sources
- Apple Newsroom: Apple debuts iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (Sept 9, 2026)
- Apple: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max technical specifications
Published Sep 10, 2026. Sources last checked Nov 5, 2026.