Apple unveils iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, sets September 12 for pre-orders

Apple has launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with pre-orders set to begin September 12 and deliveries starting September 18.

The new Pro models were unveiled at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event today, Wednesday, alongside upgrades to their cameras, processors, battery performance and artificial intelligence capabilities.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299.

Apple upgrades iPhone 18 Pro cameras

The iPhone 18 Pro series features a 48-megapixel camera with a variable aperture system made up of six thin blades.

Apple’s new camera system is designed to provide greater control over the amount of light entering the lens, with the company highlighting improvements to photography performance.

Also read: Apple launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in South Africa, enabling contactless payments

The Pro models also introduce a new burgundy colour, replacing the orange finish available with the previous generation.

A20 Pro chip and improved battery Both the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip and feature a redesigned vapour chamber aimed at improving cooling during use.

The company has also redesigned the battery system on the new models.

The company says the iPhone 18 Pro supports up to 36 hours of video playback, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max can deliver up to 45 hours.

New Siri AI capabilities

Apple also showcased a new Siri experience with contextual on-screen intelligence, allowing the assistant to understand information displayed on the user’s screen.

The updated Siri will support English in beta at launch alongside the rollout of iOS 27 this month. The tech giant said support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish will follow in October.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will open on September 12, with deliveries beginning September 18.