Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with several major hardware upgrades. The new models keep the overall design close to the previous generation. However, Apple has made notable changes to the display, chip, cameras, and battery.
The new Pro models come in four colors, including the new Burgundy option. Glacier, Black, and Silver complete the lineup.
Smaller Dynamic Island and Familiar Displays
The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max comes with a 6.9-inch panel. Both use LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology. The resolution, refresh rate, and brightness remain unchanged from the previous models. However, Apple has reduced the size of the Dynamic Island.
The smaller design can now display up to three live activities at once. The front camera has not received an upgrade, though. Both phones continue to use an 18MP selfie camera.
A20 Pro Brings Major Performance Gains
The biggest hardware upgrade comes from Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. It is built using a 2nm process and adds several changes over the A19 Pro. The chip has an additional CPU core and a new GPU core. It also gets a second Neural Engine. This brings the total CPU count to six cores, including two “desktop-class” super cores.
The 7-core GPU is claimed to deliver 40% faster graphics processing than the A19 Pro. Apple has also added updated neural accelerators. The A20 Pro features two Neural Engines with 32 cores. Memory bandwidth has also increased by 50%, according to Apple.
New Cooling System for Better Heat Control
Apple has also improved thermal management on both Pro models. The phones use a next-generation vapor chamber for better heat dissipation. The new vapor chamber has three times the area of the one used in the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also changed the silicon packaging to improve cooling.
The design takes inspiration from Apple’s M-series chips. It connects the silicon and memory directly to the vapor chamber. This should help move heat away from the main components more efficiently.
Variable Aperture Comes to the Main Camera
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max continue to offer three 48MP rear cameras. However, the main camera now features a variable aperture. Users can manually adjust the aperture up to f/4.0. The camera also supports adjustable shutter speeds for greater control.
Apple says the new system can capture up to 50% more light in dark conditions. It can also create more cinematic video effects. The company has added new Photographic Styles as well. Users can now adjust texture and grain for more control over their photos.
Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging
Apple has not provided detailed battery capacities for the new iPhones. Still, it claims the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the longest battery life in iPhone history. The eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro Max supports up to 45 hours of video playback. The eSIM iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours of video playback.
Charging has also been improved. Apple says the phones can reach a 50% charge in just 15 minutes.
iOS 27 and New Siri AI
Both models ship with iOS 27 and Apple’s latest AI features. The new Siri also brings broader support for third-party apps. Apple’s dedicated Siri app can store previous conversations. Those conversations can also sync across the user’s Apple devices.
However, there is a major limitation at launch. The new Siri will not be available in the EU or China. Apple plans to release the updated Siri as a beta later this month.
iPhone 18 Pro Price and Availability in Pakistan
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 for the 256GB model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 with the same storage capacity. Apple has raised both models by $100 compared with their predecessors. In Pakistan, PTA taxes are expected to push the final prices much higher.
| Market | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| US | USD 1,199 | USD 1,299 |
| Germany | EUR 1,449 | EUR 1,599 |
| UK | GBP 1,199 | GBP 1,299 |
| India | INR 164,900 | INR 179,900 |
| China | CNY 9,999 | CNY 10,999 |
| Japan | JPY 219,800 | JPY 239,800 |
| Pakistan (Approx.) | PKR 582,000 | PKR 610,000 |
The iPhone 18 Pro could cost around Rs 582,000 after PTA taxes. The iPhone 18 Pro Max may reach roughly Rs 610,000 after registration.
Pre-orders for both models begin on September 12. Official sales will start on September 18.
