Apple to unveil iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max with upgraded chip, cameras and battery

Apple plans to introduce its next flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, on September 9. Both models retain the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays of their predecessors but incorporate a range of upgrades aimed at performance, photography and endurance.

The devices will be powered by the A20 Pro chip, a successor to the recent M6 processor, which is expected to deliver higher speed and support the upcoming Siri AI features in iOS 27. A new C2 modem and the chip’s efficiency gains are also projected to extend battery life, with the Pro Max model rumored to house a battery roughly 10% larger than the previous generation.

Camera improvements include a redesigned main sensor module, a variable aperture system that may be exclusive to the Pro Max, and a wider-aperture telephoto lens for better low-light performance. Apple is also updating the Camera Control interface.

Design changes are modest: the Dynamic Island cutout is said to be reduced by about 35%, and the rear casing will feature a more seamless blend of glass and aluminum, along with new color options such as a dark cherry hue.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max will offer the same enhancements as the Pro, plus the larger display and potentially exclusive camera functionality, positioning it as the model with the longest battery life in the lineup.