Apple revealed the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max at its ‘Surprise and Shine’ event, introducing a variable aperture camera and a new A20 Pro chip. The Pro models start at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, with the 18 Pro Max competing closely with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra in price and performance, according to CNET and Infobae.

Camera Innovations and Design

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feature significant camera improvements, including a variable aperture for the Pro Max model, and these upgrades are highlighted in Applesfera, which notes that both models offer the same camera capabilities. The new black and silver color options, with refined glass finishes, were praised during hands-on testing by AppleInsider.

The design of the 18 Pro Max retains the aluminum unibody but introduces a more refined look, with a 6.8-inch OLED display. According to CNET, the phone is heavier than Samsung’s S26 Ultra, which has a 6.9-inch AMOLED display but weighs less at 214 grams compared to the 18 Pro Max’s 249 grams.

Performance and Pricing

Internally, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max include a new A20 Pro processor with enhanced GPU and neural cores, as detailed in AppleInsider and Infobae. The processor is designed to improve AI performance and reduce energy consumption, as Apple also introduced a second-generation vapor chamber to better manage heat.

Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max has increased by $100 from previous models, with the 256GB version of the 18 Pro Max starting at $1,299. This price point aligns closely with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is priced at $1,300, and According to CNET, the price increase may be linked to a global RAM shortage.

Event Highlights and New Features

This year’s event, led by new CEO John Ternus, marked a departure from the previous leadership under Tim Cook. n-tv.de reports that Apple also introduced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999. The Pro models, while not foldable, continue to focus on performance and camera enhancements.

Apple emphasized the role of the iPhone as a key device for interacting with AI, particularly through Apple Intelligence. According to Infobae, the A20 Pro chip is manufactured using 2nm technology and supports 12GB of integrated memory, aiming to enhance AI capabilities while reducing power consumption.

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are available in four color options: Glacier blue, burgundy, silver, and black — the black option, in particular, features a refined design with black glass embedded in the back, as noted in AppleInsider and Applesfera. The silver option also has a more clean look with silver glass and a more pronounced Apple logo.