iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max: Here is what's new with Apple's Pro iPhone

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026. The most striking innovation is in the camera: the 48-MP main camera is the first iPhone camera to feature a variable aperture. This is complemented by a new chip, significantly larger cooling, and longer battery life.

First things first: Pre-orders start Saturday, September 12, at 2 PM. Available in stores starting Friday, September 18. Current prices and availability depend on the model and storage size; check with the provider before purchasing.

What's new

• Variable aperture: six laser-cut blades adjust the aperture seamlessly – automatically or manually
• A20 Pro: 2-nanometer chip with 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and Neural Engine consisting of two 16-core units
• Larger vapor chamber: three times as large as the iPhone 17 Pro, up to 40% more sustained performance
• More battery: manufacturer values are only comparable when viewed alongside the respective test scenario
• Smaller Dynamic Island: now displays up to three live activities simultaneously
• C2 modem: Apple's own cellular modem
• iOS 27 with the next generation of Apple Intelligence

Comparing price and configuration

Compare your desired storage capacity and what is included in the box. You can find the current manufacturer offers at Apple for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Availability there does not constitute a stock guarantee by STARPHONE.

Four colors are available: Black, Silver, Polar, and Burgundy.

The variable aperture – and its benefits

Apple is introducing the variable aperture to an iPhone for the first time with the iPhone 18 Pro. This does not mean other smartphone manufacturers have not used this technology before.

In practical terms, this means more light can reach the sensor in low-light conditions. In group photos, the back row remains in focus instead of disappearing into the blur. The camera decides this automatically – or you can take control.

This is because the Pro controls in the Camera app are also new. Aperture, shutter speed, and white balance can be set manually, and there is now a histogram. This is the real target audience for this innovation: people who want to decide for themselves how an image looks.

For video, you can retroactively apply Cinematic mode effects to recordings at up to 60 frames per second. Time-lapse records in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR.

Apple Reference Image: proof of unedited photos

A feature that is easily overlooked but carries substance. In Reference mode, the sensor captures signed data, which is used to create an immutable reference image. In the Photos app, you can display this original next to the edited version and see exactly what has been changed.

Together with image metadata and planned support for the SynthID standard, this is aimed at photojournalism and professional photography – specifically the question of whether an image is authentic.

Performance that lasts after ten minutes

The number that matters for the A20 Pro is not peak performance, but sustained performance: up to 40% more than the A19 Pro. This is made possible by the new vapor chamber, which has three times the surface area.

This is the difference you will notice in everyday use. A chip that is fast for a short time and then throttles doesn't help much during long video shoots or gaming sessions. That is exactly where Apple is focusing.

Battery and charging

Compare battery life and charging speed based on the same usage and the intended power adapter. The technical specifications from Apple list the respective test conditions. A general hourly figure for every type of usage cannot be derived from them.

How long it actually lasts for you depends on what you do with the device. Manufacturer specifications are laboratory values.

A point Apple is not emphasizing

The new Siri with Apple Intelligence shown at the event is not initially available in the EU on the iPhone. Anyone buying for this feature should know this before pre-ordering.

The other iOS 27 features are included: retroactive adjustment of image composition in the Photos app, improved image cleanup, photorealistic output in Image Playground, and a Safari feature that monitors webpages for changes – such as prices or stock levels.

Pro or Pro Max?

Technically, there is no difference between the two. Same chip, same camera system, same variable aperture, same software.

The decision primarily comes down to size, weight, battery life, and the current price of your desired configuration. Check whether the larger device fits your usage and handling preferences.

Is it worth upgrading?

It depends on what you are currently using.

From an iPhone 17 Pro: likely not. The variable aperture is a central innovation. The chip, cooling, and battery are improvements, not a revolution.

From an iPhone three or more years old: this is where it all adds up. Camera, performance, and battery life gains from several generations at once – you will notice this immediately.

If only the battery is weak or the display is cracked: first compare repair costs, device condition, and the price of a suitable replacement device. You can see the specific cost for your model in the repair configurator.

In a nutshell

• Pre-order starting September 12, 2 PM – available from September 18
• Check current prices by model and storage size with the provider
• Most important innovation is the variable aperture of the 48-MP main camera
• The 40% performance gain refers to sustained performance, not peak performance
• The new Siri is not available in the EU at launch
• For older devices with a weak battery, an battery replacement should be compared against a new purchase

Unsure if an upgrade makes sense for you? Stop by Blondelstraße 10 in Aachen or call us: 0241 401 37 37. We will take a look at your device and give you honest advice on what makes more sense – a new purchase or a repair.

Manufacturer information: Apple iPhone 18 Pro. Editorial correction on September 30, 2026: aperture comparison, price references, battery life context, and repair link. Prices and availability are subject to change. STARPHONE is not an official authorized Apple service provider.