Apple launches iPhone 18 Pro with upgraded camera

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its fall Surprise and Shine iPhone event, highlighting camera upgrades while retaining the design of the previous model. The company presented the new imaging system as the central improvement for the Pro lineup. The Pro series now features a 48-megapixel camera with a variable aperture constructed from six thin blades, a configuration Apple says will likely boost low-light performance and speed. The camera software also gains expanded pro controls — including white balance, shutter speed, aperture and a histogram — plus new photographic styles that add texture and grain for retro looks. Video capture supports 4K recording in Dolby HDR Vision, and users can apply cinematic effects after shooting. On the front, the dynamic island has been reduced in size and can now display three live activities at once instead of two. Both Pro models are powered by Apple’s A20 Pro silicon and include a newly designed vapor chamber to improve cooling. Apple also redesigned the battery; the company reported video playback of up to 36 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 45 hours on the 18 Pro Max. Software updates were a focus as well. Apple demonstrated a new Siri AI with contextual on-screen intelligence; English will be available in beta at the iOS 27 rollout this month, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish arriving in October. iOS 27 also brings an iPhone handoff feature that lets two iPhones share one eSIM and switch between devices. Apple is introducing a burgundy finish for the Pro models, replacing the previous orange option. Pricing starts at $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, a $100 increase compared with last year’s Pro prices. Preorders open on Saturday and the devices will be available beginning September 18.