The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available now, with a new variable-aperture camera, Apple’s A20 Pro chip, longer battery life and a smaller Dynamic Island.
The full spec sheet is impressive, particularly if you take a lot of photos or video. But it’s an expensive upgrade, and the right answer depends on which iPhone you own now.
If you have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, you can probably keep it. An iPhone 16 Pro Max owner has more reason to consider upgrading, while the jump from an iPhone 15 Pro is much easier to justify.
Here’s what you need to know before buying.
1. iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199; Pro Max starts at $1,299
In the US, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,299. Both base models have 256GB of storage.
In the UK, the starting prices are £1,199 and £1,299, respectively. The two phones are available in the same four storage capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
That makes the Pro Max $100 or £100 more at the entry level. You’re paying for a larger phone with a larger display and longer battery life, rather than a different processor or rear camera system.
2. You can choose from four colours
Both models come in:
- Black
- Silver
- Glacier
- Burgundy
The colour choice doesn’t affect the specifications. Pick the one you like, but don’t let a new finish talk you into replacing a phone that still does everything you need.
Most people, myself included, run them in cases anyway so the color, while interesting, isn’t something you’ll see all that often anyway, unless you’re the kind of guy or gal that likes to throw caution to the wind and run their phones sans case.
You don’t have to pay $1,000+ for a new phone. Buying refurbished saves you, on average, 40% to 50%.
Which means you skip the inflationary price hikes, side-step the 2026 memory cost crisis, and still get the flagship performance and specs you want.
Recommended Options For 20263. The Pro and Pro Max have different screen sizes
The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display. This is, arguably, the biggest difference between the two. One is compact, like the base model iPhone 17. The other is larger, the largest, non-folding iPhone, you can buy.
Both screens have 460 pixels per inch, ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, Always-On display, HDR, True Tone and the Dynamic Island. Apple lists up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness, plus an anti-reflective coating.
As usual, the screen tech is superb. I love Apple’s ProMotion display tech. The colors pop, it’s not too over saturated, and while there’s not too much difference between this new generation and the last one, if you’re coming from an iPhone 15 series model or older, yeah, you’ll notice a fairly big difference.
4. The Pro Max is notably larger and heavier
Here are Apple’s published dimensions and weights:
| iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 150.0mm | 163.4mm |
| Width | 71.9mm | 78.0mm |
| Depth | 8.75mm | 8.75mm |
| Weight | 211g | 249g |
| Display | 6.3 inches | 6.9 inches |
The Pro Max gives you more room for video, games and editing, but it’s also a big, heavy phone. If you’re moving up from a smaller iPhone, try holding one before you order.
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5. Both phones have the same A20 Pro chip
The A20 Pro has a six-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, a seven-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. It also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Apple pairs the chip with a new-generation vapour chamber to help the phones sustain performance during demanding tasks. That should matter most for intensive games, video editing and other workloads that keep the processor busy for longer periods.
The bottom line here is simple: both of these phones have more computational power than you’ll ever need. No one uses anywhere near the true potential of the laptop-grade chipsets inside modern phones, so I usually class the chipset as something that’s nice to have but for most people it really doesn’t matter: they’re all over-powered for what people actually use them for.
6. The main camera has a variable aperture
At first glance, the iPhone 18 Pro Max looks a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both have a 6.9-inch display, the same basic size and shape, and a triple 48MP rear camera system. The 18 Pro Max’s upgrades are mainly in its main camera, processor, battery life and charging speed. Apple (UK)
| Feature | iPhone 18 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 48MP with variable aperture | 48MP with fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture |
| Other rear cameras | 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto | 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Display | 6.9-inch OLED, ProMotion up to 120Hz | 6.9-inch OLED, ProMotion up to 120Hz |
| Dynamic Island | Smaller | Larger |
| Apple-rated video playback | Up to 43 hours | Up to 37 hours |
| Wired fast charging | Up to 50% in around 15 minutes with a suitable adapter | Up to 50% in around 20 minutes with a suitable adapter |
| Maximum storage | 2TB | 2TB |
| Weight | 249g | 231g |
A camera that gives you more control
The headline camera change is the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s variable aperture on its 48MP main camera. The 17 Pro Max has a fixed aperture. On the 18 Pro Max, you can choose between four aperture settings, from ƒ/1.48 to ƒ/4.0, and adjust aperture alongside other Pro camera controls.
In everyday use, that gives you more control over how much light enters the camera and how much of a scene appears in focus. You could use a wider setting for a portrait with a softer background, then choose a narrower setting when you want more of a group photo or landscape to stay sharp. The improvement is most relevant to people who like adjusting camera settings themselves; if you mostly point and shoot, it may make less difference.
The rest of the camera system is familiar. Both phones have 48MP ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, including 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-quality zoom. Both also have an 18MP front camera. So the upgrade is mainly about how much control the main camera gives you, rather than a wholesale change to every camera.
7. The complete rear camera system has three 48MP cameras
The main camera system is the same on both phone sizes:
| Camera | Resolution and details |
|---|---|
| Main | 48MP Fusion, 24mm, variable ƒ/1.48–ƒ/4.0 aperture, second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilisation |
| Ultra Wide | 48MP Fusion, 13mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field of view |
| Telephoto | 48MP Fusion, 100mm equivalent, 4x optical zoom, ƒ/2.8 aperture, tetraprism design, autofocus and 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilisation |
The main camera also gives you a 12MP optical-quality 2x option. The telephoto camera offers a 12MP optical-quality 8x option. Apple lists a 16x optical-quality zoom range and digital zoom up to 40x.
8. You can save 24MP or 48MP photos
The rear cameras support super-high-resolution photos at 24MP and 48MP. The system also includes Night mode, macro photography, spatial photos, next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control, and Photographic Styles 3.
The main camera supports Apple Reference Image, a feature designed to preserve signed sensor data so you can compare an unaltered reference image with an edited version. Photos can be captured in HEIF, JPEG and DNG formats, with ProRAW also supported.
9. Video recording is unusually capable
The iPhone 18 Pro Max records 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120fps on its main camera. That lets you capture fast action in high resolution and slow it down in editing. It also records 4K Dolby Vision at 24, 25, 30 and 60fps, with 1080p Dolby Vision recording at up to 120fps on the main camera. Apple (UK)
Other video features include:
- Cinematic mode in 4K Dolby Vision at up to 60fps
- Action mode at up to 2.8K Dolby Vision and 60fps
- Spatial video at 1080p and 30fps
- ProRes recording at up to 4K and 120fps, with external recording
- ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, Academy Color Encoding System and Genlock support
- Macro video, including slow motion and time-lapse
- Dual Capture at up to 4K Dolby Vision and 30fps
There’s also audio zoom, four studio-quality microphones, wind-noise reduction and Audio Mix. If you shoot seriously on your phone, features such as ProRes RAW, Log 2 and Genlock give you more options for editing footage or matching multiple cameras.
How It Compares With The iPhone 17 Pro Max
The 17 Pro Max already records 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120fps, supports ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 and Genlock, and has the same audio features. Those headline formats aren’t new to the 18 Pro Max.
The clearest video differences are 4K Cinematic mode at up to 60fps (the 17 Pro Max tops out at 30fps), improved low-light video at 1080p, and aperture controls for video on the 18 Pro Max’s variable-aperture main camera. The 18 Pro Max also supports digital video zoom up to 24x, compared with 15x on the 17 Pro Max.
So this is a more capable camera for specific shoots, especially if you use Cinematic mode, film in low light or want to adjust aperture while recording. But if your 17 Pro Max already handles your usual video work, most of its headline recording formats are already there.
10. The front camera is an 18MP Center Stage camera
The front camera has an 18MP sensor, ƒ/1.9 aperture and autofocus with Focus Pixels. It supports Center Stage for photos and video calls, tap-to-zoom and rotate, Dual Capture, and ultra-stabilised video.
It can record 4K Dolby Vision at up to 60fps and supports ProRes recording up to 4K and 60fps with external recording. Face ID is also enabled through the TrueDepth system in the front camera.
11. The Pro Max lasts longer between charges
Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro for up to 23 hours of typical use, 34 hours of video playback or 31 hours of streamed video.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated for up to 29 hours of typical use, 43 hours of video playback or 38 hours of streamed video. These are Apple’s test figures, so your results will depend on your settings, signal and how you use the phone.
12. Wired charging can reach 50% in around 15 minutes
Apple says the phones can charge to 50% in around 15 minutes with a 60W-capable adapter or higher, an appropriate USB-C cable and a compatible power supply. MagSafe charging can reach 50% in around 30 minutes with a 35W adapter or higher.
Both MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging are supported at up to 25W. The required charging accessories are sold separately, so check your existing charger before factoring fast charging into the cost.
13. It has USB-C with USB 3 transfer speeds
The USB-C port supports charging, DisplayPort and USB 3 data transfer at up to 10Gb/s. You can use it to connect external storage or send video to a compatible display.
That speed is useful if you record large ProRes files and move them to a computer or drive. For everyday charging, messaging and browsing, the port is less of a reason to upgrade.
14. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Both models include Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. They also support NFC, dual-frequency GPS and 5G.
Apple’s C2 cellular modem supports 5G and Gigabit LTE. Apple says the C2 improves cellular quality and reliability, delivers faster uploads than the previous C1X modem and uses 15% less energy. The US version also supports mmWave.
15. Check the SIM setup for your country and carrier
Apple’s UK specifications list dual SIM using a nano-SIM and eSIM, plus support for two eSIMs. The exact SIM arrangement can vary by region, so check the model sold where you live if you need a physical SIM slot or plan to use two numbers.
Both models support Face ID, Apple Pay, Emergency SOS via satellite, Find My via satellite and satellite roadside assistance, subject to availability and local requirements.
16. The build is water- and dust-resistant, but not indestructible
The phones have an aluminium unibody, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back. Apple rates them IP68 under IEC standard 60529, for submersion in up to six metres of water for up to 30 minutes under controlled conditions.
That rating doesn’t make the phone immune to liquid damage or wear. A case is still sensible, especially on a phone this expensive.
17. An iPhone 17 Pro Max owner probably shouldn’t upgrade
The iPhone 18 Pro Max adds the variable-aperture camera, newer camera controls, a faster chip and longer rated battery life. Those changes may be worth paying for if you shoot a lot of photos and video or regularly push your phone hard.
For most iPhone 17 Pro Max owners, though, the 18 Pro Max is an expensive refinement of a phone they already own. If your current camera, battery and performance are doing the job, keep it. A smaller Dynamic Island or a new colour isn’t enough reason to replace it.
18. iPhone 16 Pro Max owners should compare the upgrade with refurbished prices; iPhone 15 Pro owners have a stronger case
If you have an iPhone 16 Pro Max
This is a potential upgrade. You get a newer processor, the variable-aperture main camera, 48MP resolution across all three rear cameras, 8x optical-quality zoom, upgraded video controls and longer battery life.
Whether that’s worth the cost depends on how you use your phone. If you take lots of photos, record video or need more battery life, the 18 Pro Max is easier to justify. If your 16 Pro Max still feels fast and lasts all day, compare it with the current refurbished prices before buying new.
KnowYourMobile currently lists refurbished 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max deals from $770.96. Compared with the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s $1,299 US starting price, that’s a current price difference of $528.04. The refurbished price and available stock can change, so check the live listings.
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro
This is a much stronger upgrade case. The iPhone 18 Pro gives you a larger display, newer 48MP main, ultrawide and telephoto cameras, variable aperture, better video options, more battery life and three generations of newer Pro hardware.
Going from the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro to the 6.9-inch 18 Pro Max is an even bigger change in size and battery life. If you don’t want a phone that large, the 6.3-inch 18 Pro gives you the updated camera and processor in a more manageable body.
You can also compare both new models with older refurbished iPhones in our refurbished phone collection. The refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max is worth a look if you want a large-screen Pro iPhone and would rather save money than buy the latest model.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth buying?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have a full set of upgrades, not just a new processor and colour. The variable-aperture main camera, 48MP cameras across the rear system, advanced video recording, longer battery life and faster charging will matter to some buyers.
My buying advice is straightforward:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Keep it unless you need a specific camera or battery improvement.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Consider upgrading if you’ll use the new camera or video features. Compare refurbished prices first.
- iPhone 15 Pro: A clear upgrade if you want a larger, newer phone with a better camera system and longer battery life.
Before buying at full price, check the refurbished phone collection. A refurbished 16 Pro Max currently starts $528.04 below the new 18 Pro Max’s US starting price, while still giving you a large screen and Pro-level features.
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