Updated October 2026 · Now available
Quick answer: The iPhone 18 Pro is available now, starting at $1,199 for 256GB. Apple announced it on September 9, 2026, pre-orders opened September 12, and it went on sale September 18. The biggest upgrades are the A20 Pro chip, a variable aperture main camera, longer battery life, and Siri AI with iOS 27.
Also read: How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro keeps the same look as last year’s model, but almost everything inside has changed. Apple focused on four things this year: the camera, performance, battery life, and AI.
Here’s everything that’s confirmed, what it costs, and whether it’s worth upgrading.
iPhone 18 Pro Release Date
- Announced: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event
- Pre-orders: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- In stores: Friday, September 18, 2026
The iPhone 18 Pro Max launched on the same dates.
iPhone 18 Pro Price
| Model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 (256GB) |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 (256GB) |
That’s a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro models. For the first time, the iPhone 18 Pro also comes with a 2TB storage option.
iPhone 18 Pro Colors
The iPhone 18 Pro comes in four finishes:
- Black
- Silver
- Glacier
- Burgundy (the all-new color this year)
iPhone 18 Pro Specs
| Specs | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, ProMotion |
| Chip | A20 Pro (2nm), 6-core CPU |
| Neural Engine | Two Neural Engines for AI |
| Main camera | 48MP Fusion with variable aperture |
| Rear cameras | Triple 48MP system |
| Battery | Up to 36 hours video playback |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Software | iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy |
| Price | From $1,199 |
What’s New in the iPhone 18 Pro
A20 Pro Chip
The A20 Pro is built on a 2nm process, with a 6-core CPU made up of 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. Apple added a second Neural Engine to speed up AI features.
The chip also connects directly to a new vapor chamber that’s about three times larger than the iPhone 17 Pro’s. Apple says that gives up to 40% more sustained performance, so games and long video exports stay fast without slowing down from heat.
Variable Aperture Camera
This is the biggest camera change in years. The 48MP Fusion main camera now has variable aperture, meaning the lens can physically open wider or narrower depending on the light. You get brighter low-light shots and more natural background blur, automatically.
New Pro controls in the Camera app also let you adjust settings like white balance manually.
Smaller Dynamic Island
The Dynamic Island is smaller this year, and it can now show three Live Activities at once, such as a timer, music, and a delivery update side by side.
Longer Battery Life
Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro for up to 36 hours of video playback, up from 33 hours on the iPhone 17 Pro. The Pro Max goes even further, at up to 45 hours.
Siri AI and iOS 27
The iPhone 18 Pro ships with iOS 27, which brings the new Siri AI. It understands personal context and can help across apps, along with expanded Apple Intelligence features.
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro
| iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A19 Pro | A20 Pro (2nm) |
| Main camera | 48MP | 48MP with variable aperture |
| Dynamic Island | Standard | Smaller, 3 Live Activities |
| Battery (video) | Up to 33 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Max storage | 1TB | 2TB |
| Software at launch | iOS 26 | iOS 27 with Siri AI |
| Starting price | $1,099 | $1,199 |
Should You Buy the iPhone 18 Pro?
Yes, if you have an iPhone 15 Pro or older. The A20 Pro chip, variable aperture camera, and longer battery life add up to a big jump.
Probably not, if you have an iPhone 17 Pro. The upgrades are real, but the design is the same, and it costs $100 more. Unless you want the new camera or Burgundy color, your 17 Pro is still excellent.
Consider the Pro Max if battery life matters most. It’s only $100 more and adds a bigger 6.9-inch screen and much longer battery life.
How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone 18 Pro
Press the Side button + Volume Up at the same time. For every method, including Back Tap and full-page screenshots, see our full How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone 18 Pro guide.
Want to record your screen instead? See How to Screen Record on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the iPhone 18 Pro come out?
Apple announced it on September 9, 2026. Pre-orders opened September 12, and it went on sale September 18, 2026.
How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?
It starts at $1,199 for 256GB, which is $100 more than the iPhone 17 Pro. A 2TB option is available for the first time.
What colors does the iPhone 18 Pro come in?
Black, Silver, Glacier, and the all-new Burgundy.
What chip is in the iPhone 18 Pro?
The A20 Pro, Apple’s 2nm chip with a 6-core CPU and two Neural Engines.
Does the iPhone 18 Pro have under-display Face ID?
No. That was a popular rumor, but Apple didn’t announce it. The iPhone 18 Pro has a smaller Dynamic Island instead.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro?
For most people, no. It’s a solid upgrade, but the design is the same and the price went up. It makes much more sense if you’re coming from an iPhone 15 Pro or older.
Related Guides
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: Price, Specs & Release Date
- How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone 18 Pro
- iOS 27: Every New Feature
- How to Screen Record on iPhone (With Sound)
- How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone 17 Pro
Arslan Jaffar is the founder of Screenshot Geek. He writes simple, step-by-step guides for phones, laptops, and tablets, covering screenshots on Samsung, iPhone, Pixel, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Mac, plus troubleshooting fixes, tips and tricks, top 5 lists, and the latest tech news. His goal is to make technology simple, so you can find the right answer in seconds.