Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro at its fall event, marking a three-year cycle since the iPhone 15 Pro launch; the latest model includes a more advanced camera system, longer battery life, and a new A20 Pro chip. The iPhone 15 Pro was notable for being the first in the Pro line to use a titanium frame, but the iPhone 18 Pro opts for an aluminum unibody design. The new model is slightly larger, measuring 5.91 inches in height and 2.83 inches in width, compared to the 5.77-inch and 2.78-inch dimensions of the older model.

Key hardware and design differences

The iPhone 18 Pro features a variable aperture 48 MP Fusion main camera, a significant upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro; it also includes a 120-Hz display and a redesigned Dynamic Island. In terms of weight, the iPhone 18 Pro is heavier at 7.44 ounces compared to the 6.54-ounce iPhone 15 Pro; the iPhone 15 Pro, in contrast, retained a camera bump design rather than the Camera Plateau found on the new model. Button configurations also differ, with the iPhone 18 Pro using a more cut approach.

Trade-in values drop significantly

Following the launch, Apple updated its trade-in program and reduced the value of older models, while For example, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is now worth up to $610, a $110 drop from its previous value of $720. Similarly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has seen a reduction from $530 to $455, though these changes affect a wide range of older models, with the iPhone 15 Pro now valued at $370, down from $420. These cuts make upgrading more expensive for current iPhone owners considering a switch to the newer model.

Software and AI features

The iPhone 18 Pro comes with iOS 27 and includes Apple Intelligence features such as the Siri AI, Image Playground, and Clean Up, which are not available on the iPhone 15. According to Apple, the new device offers the highest sustained performance in iPhone history; the iPhone 15 will receive the iOS 27 update, but it will not include advanced AI features. The iPhone 18 Pro also includes a dual 16-core Neural Engine developed specifically for these AI functions. The iPhone 18 Pro is available in four colors: Black, Silver, Glacier, and a new Burgundy, with pre-orders starting on September 12 and availability beginning on September 18.