Apple Unveils iPhone 18 Pro And Pro Max As Base Model Waits
Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, putting its premium smartphones at the centre of its latest product launch.
The company also introduced its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, during its “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, 9 September.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, with both prices covering the 256GB models. Pre-orders open on 12 September, with the phones going on sale from 18 September.
Apple has not yet announced official South African pricing. Unofficial local estimates currently put the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro at about R22,000 and the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max at about R24,000, but these prices should be treated as estimates until Apple confirms its South African prices.
The new Pro models are available in black, silver, glacier and burgundy and feature Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built using 2-nanometre process technology.
The six-core CPU and seven-core GPU are paired with a next-generation vapour chamber designed to improve sustained performance. Apple says the new thermal system can deliver up to a 40% improvement in sustained performance compared with the previous generation.
Battery life is another major upgrade. The iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 36 hours of video playback, while the Pro Max reaches up to 45 hours. Apple says the Pro can also reach 50% charge in around 15 minutes with compatible charging equipment.
The camera system receives one of the biggest upgrades, with a 48MP Fusion Main camera featuring variable aperture. The aperture can adjust between ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8 and ƒ/4.0, giving users greater control over light, depth of field and low-light photography.
Both models also feature a smaller Dynamic Island capable of displaying up to three Live Activities at once.
The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display. Both include upgraded cameras, Apple Intelligence features and the new Siri AI experience.
The launch marks a significant change in Apple’s traditional iPhone strategy. The standard iPhone 18 was not unveiled at the September event and is expected to arrive later, alongside other lower-priced models.
For South African consumers waiting for the regular iPhone 18, the latest Pro launch means the wait for the non-Pro model will be longer than usual
