Apple unveils iPhone 18 Pro with upgraded chip, camera and battery life
Early reviews note the iPhone 18 Pro series adds a 2nm A20 Pro processor, variable-aperture camera and longer battery life, while retaining the previous design.
Apple released its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max ahead of the September 18 launch, and several tech outlets have published initial reviews. The devices keep the same overall design as the iPhone 17 Pro but introduce incremental upgrades in performance, photography and endurance.
The new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, is claimed to be up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and 40% faster in graphics than the A19 Pro used in the prior generation. Benchmarks from Gizmodo showed a 24% increase in single-core and a 26% rise in multi-core Geekbench 7 scores. A larger vapor-chamber cooling system, three times the size of the previous model, reportedly helps sustain peak performance without noticeable heating, even during 4K-60 fps video capture.
Battery life also improves, with Apple stating up to a 15% longer offline video playback time for the Pro Max. Independent testing by Tom’s Guide measured roughly a half-hour gain for the Pro Max over the 17 Pro Max, while fast-charging to 50 % now takes 15 minutes instead of 20.
The Dynamic Island has been reduced in size, allowing up to three simultaneous Live Activities. 9to5Mac noted the extra space makes it easier to view information from a second activity.
A major camera change is the 48-megapixel Fusion sensor with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.48 to f/4.0. PetaPixel’s analysis indicated that sharpness peaks at f/2.8, with acceptable performance at f/1.8 and f/4, while the widest setting can soften edges. The Camera app adds manual controls for shutter speed, white balance, aperture and a histogram, though CNET highlighted usability concerns with the placement of these controls.
Connectivity upgrades include Apple’s second-generation C2 modem, offering faster uploads and 15% lower power consumption. The Pro Max uses the C2 modem globally, while the U.S. version retains a Qualcomm modem for the larger model. Reviewers have reported satisfactory 5G performance, though formal testing is pending.
The lineup is offered in Silver, Black, Burgundy and Glacier finishes. Analysts suggest the upgrades may not justify an upgrade for owners of the iPhone 17 Pro, but could be worthwhile for users of older models seeking improved camera capabilities and the latest Siri features.
"The iPhone 18 Pro is excellent and utterly iterative," said The Verge. "In the iPhone Duo's shadow, the iPhone 18 Pro certainly feels like an 'S' device," observed Engadget.
Overall, reviewers describe the iPhone 18 Pro series as a solid, if modest, evolution of Apple's flagship line.