You can now pre-order iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now available for pre-order following Apple's Wednesday announcement. The new flagship devices introduce a variable aperture main camera, a smaller Dynamic Island, and four fresh color options. Pre-orders can be placed directly through Apple or Walmart, with first deliveries scheduled for Friday, September 18.
Pre-Order Availability and Pricing
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299. Both models come with a base storage of 256GB, expandable up to 2TB for users who need maximum space. Purchasing options include paying outright, financing via Apple Card or carrier plans, and the new Apple Upgrade leasing program.
Customers can pre-order from Apple's official store or Walmart for either model. Early adopters will receive their devices starting September 18, with the first wave shipping that day. Apple also confirmed that the iPhone Duo will open for pre-order on October 16 and ship on October 23.
Camera System: Variable Aperture Innovation
The headline feature of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is a variable aperture main camera that gives photographers precise control over lighting and depth of field. This system allows users to adjust the aperture physically, enabling creative blur effects or sharper landscapes in different lighting conditions. The camera hardware is complemented by advanced computational photography, though Apple did not detail sensor specifications.
Performance: A20 Pro Chip and Thermal Management
At the heart of the new phones is the A20 Pro chip, which delivers 50% more memory bandwidth and 40% faster GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This ensures smoother multitasking, faster rendering, and improved gaming experiences. To sustain peak performance, Apple has implemented a next-generation vapor chamber that dissipates heat more efficiently, preventing thermal throttling during intensive tasks.
Display and Dynamic Island
The Dynamic Island has been redesigned to be smaller, freeing up more screen space while retaining its functionality. It can now display three Live Activities simultaneously, allowing users to track multiple ongoing tasks—such as a timer, music playback, and a sports score—without switching apps. The display itself is not detailed in the announcement, but the reduced island suggests a more immersive viewing experience.
Battery and Charging
Battery life has seen substantial upgrades. The iPhone 18 Pro delivers up to 24 hours of real-world use, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max extends that to 30 hours. Wired charging is also faster: users can achieve a 50% charge in just 15 minutes with a compatible adapter, making quick top-ups more convenient than ever.
Color Options
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in four sophisticated color finishes: Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black. These options cater to a range of aesthetic preferences, from the bold burgundy to the clean glacier tone. The colors are applied to the titanium frame and glass back, maintaining Apple's premium build quality.
Storage and Configuration
With a starting capacity of 256GB, the base configuration doubles the entry-level storage of previous generations. Users can also select 512GB, 1TB, or the maximum 2TB tier, accommodating vast photo libraries, 8K video, and high-end apps. The higher-capacity models also include additional RAM, though Apple did not specify amounts.
What's Next: iPhone Duo
Apple teased the upcoming iPhone Duo, which will be a separate product line. Pre-orders for the Duo begin on October 16, with shipping starting October 23. No specifications or pricing for the Duo were provided in the announcement, but it is expected to target a different segment of the market.
Accessories and Purchase Options
To complement the new devices, Apple offers a range of official accessories: Silicone, Clear, and TechWoven cases, a Wrist Strap for iPhone and AirPods, a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max output, and a USB-C cable featuring a built-in LED display. Additionally, Beats Woven USB-C cables are available in multiple colors.
For those interested in flexible payment, the Apple Upgrade leasing program allows annual upgrades, while traditional financing through Apple Card or carrier installment plans remains available. All pre-orders placed now will be fulfilled by September 18, with the first batch shipping to customers on that date.