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Apple's newest Pro-series iPhones bring a variable-aperture main camera, a new chip, improved battery life, and a black color option, but starting prices rose by $100 across the lineup, including older models. Alongside them, Apple released AirPods 5 with better active noise cancellation and stem-based volume controls on the pricier version, starting at $129.
Apple opened pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max ahead of their September 18 launch, but shipping estimates for many Pro Max configurations have already slipped into October. The standard Pro remains widely available for day-one delivery, while only the priciest 2TB storage option across both models still ships on launch day.
A tech reviewer rounded up recommended fast chargers for the newly preordered iPhone 18 Pro, including Anker's Nano 45W and 70W models, Apple's 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, and ESR's CryoBoost 3-in-1 MagSafe stand. The Apple adapter reportedly delivers the fastest charging, taking the phone to 50% in 15 minutes, while the ESR stand also charges an Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously.
Apple opened iPhone 18 Pro preorders and simultaneously released its own Silicone and TechWoven MagSafe cases in new colorways like Burgundy and Mulberry, priced at $49 and $59 respectively. Third-party brands including ESR, Spigen, Nomad and Burton Goods also rolled out cases ranging from $14 budget options to premium leather and grip-focused designs with built-in stands.
Apple has started taking pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which feature a variable aperture camera, a shrunken Dynamic Island capable of showing three Live Activities, and the new A20 Pro chip with faster GPU and memory performance. The phones start at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, with storage up to 2TB, and ship beginning September 18.
Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' event introduced only two new iPhone models — the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max — alongside a foldable device called the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999.99. The event also marked John Ternus's debut as CEO, opening the show solo rather than alongside outgoing CEO Tim Cook, who is now executive chair. CNET's reader prediction contest showed most participants expected three phones and a joint Cook-Ternus appearance, both of which turned out wrong.
Apple unveiled its iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo this week while also confirming a release date for iOS 27, its next major software update. The update will be compatible with any device currently able to run iOS 26, meaning most existing iPhone owners won't need a new device to get it.
Apple has begun taking preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which were unveiled at its September 2026 event alongside the iPhone Duo. The 6.3-inch Pro starts at $1,199 and the 6.9-inch Pro Max at $1,299, both offered in deep black, silver, glacier and burgundy, with prices climbing to $2,499 for the top 2TB configuration. Unlocked units are currently only available through Apple, while retailers like Best Buy and Walmart are offering carrier-locked models tied to AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu says Apple's $100 price increase on iPhone 18 Pro models was less than the $200-250 markets anticipated, while the new $1,999 iPhone Duo landed at the low end of expected pricing. Pu forecasts Apple will ship about 7 million iPhone Duo units by year-end, citing strong early consumer interest in the foldable-style device.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro both pack triple rear-camera systems with roughly 48-50MP sensors and telephoto lenses reaching high zoom levels, but their approaches differ sharply. Google leans on AI to automate exposure, night shots, and zoom via features like Instant Night Sight and Pro Zoom, while Apple adds a variable-aperture lens and manual controls for shutter speed and white balance alongside a new anti-fakery Reference Image tool.
Apple has begun selling accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in its stores, a week before the phones launch and a day before pre-orders open. The lineup includes a $49 Silicone Case, a redesigned Clear Case with MagSafe, a $59 TechWoven Case, updated FineWoven Wallets, and a new $29 Wrist Strap made from recycled polyester with embedded magnets.
Apple opens iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pre-orders Saturday at 8 a.m. ET, a day later than usual due to the date falling on 9/11. Customers can use Apple's 'Get Ready' feature in the Apple Store app or website to pre-select their model, accessories, financing and trade-in details ahead of time, speeding up checkout once orders go live. That setup window closes Friday night at 9 p.m. PT, despite a press release typo listing the cutoff as 9 a.m.