iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Duo: Specs, Prices and Release

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were unveiled at Apple's September 9, 2026 event, but the real headline was iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable iPhone. All three run the new A20 Pro chip.

This guide covers the design, displays, cameras, battery life and charging of each model, what has changed since the iPhone 17 Pro, and US pricing and release dates. It also includes a side-by-side comparison and practical advice on which one to buy.

What Apple announced in September 2026

Apple introduced three new iPhones: the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo. The same event brought Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5.

One notable absence: there was no standard iPhone 18. According to MacRumors and Macworld, the regular iPhone 18 (and likely an iPhone 18e) is expected in spring 2027. Apple has not confirmed this, so treat it as a well-sourced expectation rather than a fact.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: design and display

From the outside, the Pro models look familiar. They keep the aluminum unibody design and the same screen sizes as last year: 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Both are 8.75mm thick, but they are a little heavier, at 211g for the Pro and 249g for the Pro Max.

The back has a more uniform color blend. The front uses Ceramic Shield 2, and both models are rated IP68.

A smaller Dynamic Island

The OLED panels offer ProMotion up to 120Hz and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. The Dynamic Island is smaller yet can now show three Live Activities at once, and Face ID is unchanged.

Cameras: variable aperture finally arrives

The biggest camera upgrade is a variable aperture on the 48MP Fusion Main camera. Six laser-cut blades move between four stops: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4. The iPhone 17 Pro had a fixed aperture. New pro controls add manual aperture, shutter speed and white balance.

• Ultra Wide: 48MP, 13mm.

• Telephoto: 48MP, 100mm (4x), with 8x optical-quality zoom. This is the same as last year.

• Front: 18MP Center Stage camera.

• Video: 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120 fps. Cinematic effects can now be applied after capture to video shot at up to 60 fps.

A20 Pro chip, battery life and charging

All three phones use the A20 Pro, built on a 2-nanometer process. Apple says its 7-core GPU is up to 40 percent faster than the A19 Pro's, and the Neural Engine has doubled to 32 cores. Apple also claims a new vapor chamber improves sustained performance by up to 40 percent.

Apple's own C2 modem replaces Qualcomm's, and Apple says it uses 15 percent less energy than the C1X. The N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 45 hours of video playback, the longest of any iPhone, and the iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours (eSIM-only models). Last year's 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max offered 33 and 39 hours. With a 60W or higher adapter, the phones reach 50 percent in about 15 minutes. MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging run at up to 25W.

iPhone Duo: Apple's first foldable

iPhone Duo is a book-style foldable with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display. Apple says the inner screen is 50 percent larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max's display. It also brings Split View to iPhone for the first time, so you can run two apps side by side.

According to MacRumors, the Duo is 5.2mm thick when unfolded, about 11.3mm when folded, and weighs 254g. Apple calls it the thinnest iPhone ever when it is open.

Durability claims and key differences

• The frame and hinge cover are Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge has more than 100 components.

• The phone is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.

• Apple says the layers of the inner display glide over one another as it folds, which reduces stress and the crease. It has not published a fold-cycle rating.

• There is no Face ID. Instead, Touch ID is built into the side button.

• It has two 48MP rear cameras (Main and Ultra Wide), a 12MP outer front camera and an under-display camera on the inner screen.

• Battery life is up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer display.

• It is eSIM-only worldwide and ships with iOS 27.1. Apple Pencil (USB-C) support is coming later this year.

iPhone 18 Pro vs Pro Max vs Duo: comparison table

Duo thickness and weight are as reported by MacRumors.

Prices, storage and release dates

Prices are up. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, which is $100 more than the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price. The 512GB, 1TB and 2TB versions cost $1,399, $1,799 and $2,399. The Pro Max costs $1,299, $1,499, $1,899 and $2,499 for the same capacities. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 with 256GB.

Preorders for the Pro models opened on September 12, and they launch on Friday, September 18, in more than 65 countries. Preorders for the Duo open on October 16, and it goes on sale on October 23.

iOS 27 and Siri AI support

All three phones run iOS 27. The Pro models ship with iOS 27, and the Duo ships with iOS 27.1. They all support Siri AI, Apple's rebuilt Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, which is still labeled beta.

Apple Intelligence supports a limited set of languages, including English, French, German, Japanese and Chinese. If your preferred language is not on the list, some features will not be available.

Which model should you buy?

1. You own an iPhone 17 Pro: an upgrade isn't necessary unless the variable aperture or longer battery life matters to you.

2. You shoot a lot of photos and video: choose the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. The Duo has no telephoto lens.

3. Battery life is your top priority: the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the clear pick.

4. You want a big screen for work and reading: consider the iPhone Duo, but it is worth waiting for long-term durability reviews.

5. You're on a tighter budget: wait for the standard iPhone 18, which is expected in spring 2027.

Availability: who should care

The Pro models reach more than 65 countries on September 18, and about 20 more regions follow on September 25. The Duo launches in more than 70 countries. In several markets, including the US, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only, and the Duo is eSIM-only everywhere. Before you buy, check that your carrier supports eSIM.

If you import a phone or buy it in another country, check your local registration and customs rules first. In some countries, a phone that isn't registered can stop working on local networks. Also make sure the previous owner's Apple Account has been removed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?

In the US, it starts at $1,199 for 256GB, and the 2TB model costs $2,399.

When will the standard iPhone 18 be released?

It was not announced in September. Reports point to spring 2027, but Apple has not confirmed a date.

What's the biggest difference between the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 18 Pro adds the A20 Pro chip, a variable-aperture main camera, longer battery life, faster charging, the C2 modem and a smaller Dynamic Island.

Conclusion

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are smart, iterative upgrades: a familiar look with a faster chip, a more capable camera and better battery life. The iPhone Duo is Apple's boldest iPhone in years, but its high price and unproven durability make waiting for reviews the sensible choice for most buyers.

Sources: Apple Newsroom and Apple product pages, MacRumors, 9to5Mac and Macworld (September 2026).