Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro Max globally on Wednesday. India is among the first wave of markets where the new flagship phones will be available.
The company's new CEO, John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on Sept. 1, introduced the latest lineup at the company's Cupertino, California headquarters.
After cycling through other updates to the iPhone, the Apple Watch and AirPods, Ternus told the audience inside the Steve Jobs Theater that “actually there is one more thing," in a nod to the trademark phrase from Jobs that the company's legendary late founder himself borrowed from the 1970s detective show “Columbo.”
The foldable phone has the “largest display ever on an iPhone, yet fits into your pocket,” Ternus said.
iPhone 18 Pro prices
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India for the 256GB variant, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900 for the same storage capacity. Prices rise with higher storage options, with both models available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB configurations.
The new Pro models continue Apple's premium pricing strategy in India, with the 2TB variants expected to command a substantial premium over the base models. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available through Apple and authorised retail channels from September 18, with pre-orders opening on September 12.
{{/usCountry}}The new Pro models continue Apple's premium pricing strategy in India, with the 2TB variants expected to command a substantial premium over the base models. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available through Apple and authorised retail channels from September 18, with pre-orders opening on September 12.
{{/usCountry}}New iPhone 18 AI upgrades and camera performance
Deep Dive
What are the pricing options for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in India?
How does the camera system of the iPhone 18 Pro differ from previous models?
When will pre-orders and sales for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max begin in India?
The headline upgrade is Apple's new 48MP Fusion Main camera. It features a variable aperture, which is a first for the iPhone lineup. Users can manually adjust aperture settings for better creative control or let the phone automatically optimise depth of field and lighting.
Apple has also introduced Pro Controls inside the Camera app. Users can manually adjust shutter speed, aperture, white balance and exposure while viewing a live histogram. The company said the upgraded computational photography pipeline delivers sharper images.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup also debuts Apple Reference Image, a feature that creates an authenticated reference version of a photo using signed sensor data. Apple has said that it will help users verify image authenticity by distinguishing edited images from originals.
Apple's new A20 Pro processor, which is based on a 2-nanometer technology, powers both phones. Apple claims it offers 50% more memory bandwidth than the A19 Pro, a faster 7-core GPU, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine designed to handle AI workloads.
The Pro models also feature a redesigned Dynamic Island. It can display up to three Live Activities simultaneously, alongside a new thermal management system with a next-generation vapour chamber for sustained performance during gaming.
Also read: iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max new colors first look: Burgundy joins Black, Silver, and Blue
Battery life and Siri AI value for money
Apple claimed the iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers the largest battery life improvement ever on an iPhone. The company says eSIM-only models can provide up to 45 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours.
Fast charging has also improved, with wired charging reaching 50% in around 15 minutes under supported conditions.
The devices ship with iOS 27, which brings Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI. Apple said that Siri AI can understand personal context across apps.
While the iPhone 18 Pro offers comparable premium features in a smaller size, the iPhone 18 Pro Max continues to target consumers who desire a larger display and flagship experience.