iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Revealed, Skips Base Models

While much of interest in today’s Apple Event is focused on the iPhone Duo, Apple revealed the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is a minor upgrade from the iPhone 17 Pro series that were launched last year. Noticeably absent in the announcement is the iPhone 18 base model. It is expected to be released between March to May in 2027.

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iPhone 18 Pro Cameras

https://imgur.com/LKPRDU2

One of the main focus of the iPhone 18 Pro series’ upgrade is its cameras. It still has the 48 Megapixel Main Fusion Camera but it now has variable aperture. Apple claims it is the best camera ever made by bringing aperture control to the iPhone for the first time along with even more creative control for the users. The camera’s six laser-cut blades smoothly transition between different apertures, making it very easy to capture the best shot by automatically adjusting for depth of field and lighting

Combined with a new sensor that improves image quality, the result is better low-light photography, crisper detail in the back of group photos, and more unique shots. Variable aperture also provides more control for creative pros by giving them the ability to manually adjust any of the four aperture settings in the Camera app, and an API is available to developers for even more control across the aperture range in their apps.

https://imgur.com/oNE2I9v

Also new to the 18 Pro’s cameras is the Pro controls letting its users adjust its aperture, shutter speed and white balance.

Video capabilities are now more flexible. Cinematic effects can be applied to videos recorded with up to 60fps. In Time-lapse mode, users can now record videos in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR.

Apple Reference Image was also introduced. Users can now prove the authenticity of a photo taken on iPhone 18 Pro models with this feature, powered by the new sensor in the Main camera that can sign every pixel it sees.

New Dynamic Island

The new Dynamic Island on the 18 Pro is now smaller in size but can show three live activities at once. Face ID can still work with its security features while other apps are running on the Dynamic Island.

A20 Chip

Both models feature N1, an Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max introduces C2, Apple’s next-generation cellular modem system, which brings AI-powered improvements to cellular quality and reliability. C2 delivers meaningfully faster uploads when compared to C1X while consuming 15 percent less energy.

The redesigned vapor chamber is built with new materials and three times more surface area than the previous generation on the iPhone 17 Pro. It dramatically improves sustained performance and enables up to a 40 percent gain over the previous generation.

Battery Life

The iPhone 18 Pro series can deliver up to 34 hours of video playback on iPhone 18 Pro and up to 43 hours of video playback on iPhone 18 Pro Max. The 18 Pro can also charge up to 50 percent in around 15 minutes, or wirelessly charge up to 50 percent in 30 minutes. On the iPhone 18 Pro Max, five minutes of wired charging provides around seven hours of video playback, and based on a new battery usage model that leverages real-world data, it provides up to 29 hours of usage on a full charge.