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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro now starts at $1,200 for 256GB storage, with top configurations reaching $2,400, while Google's Pixel 11 Pro keeps its 256GB starting price at $1,099 after dropping the base 128GB tier. Android Authority argues the Pixel offers significantly better value across storage tiers, saving buyers as much as $200 compared to Apple's equivalent options.
DXOMARK's lab and perceptual testing of Apple's iPhone 18 Pro camera system awarded the device 172 points, citing strong dynamic range, improved contrast, accurate skin tones and effective stabilization. The triple 48 MP setup—wide, ultra-wide, and 8x tetraprism telephoto—performed well across photo, zoom, and video tests, with the new variable aperture lens standing out for maintaining sharpness in busy scenes.
A 9to5Mac roundup highlights the accessories staff members are personally buying alongside their new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, ranging from Apple's own 40W-60W fast charger and TechWoven case to third-party options like Anker's foldable MagSafe charger. The post was updated on September 19 with additional picks and new product releases launching around the iPhone 18 Pro's delivery day.
A TechInsights teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max confirms that the US model uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem instead of Apple's own C2 chip, which powers the device everywhere else and in the smaller iPhone 18 Pro globally. The X80 is the same modem found in last year's iPhone 17 Pro line, meaning Apple hasn't fully extended its in-house modem rollout to this specific US model.
Apple confirmed the iPhone 18 Pro Max packs a single-cell battery exceeding 20 watt-hours, triggering extra international shipping regulations for large batteries. To comply, Apple built firmware that caps the battery below 20 Wh during manufacturing and transit, only unlocking full capacity once a user activates the phone. A new 'Prepare to Ship' toggle in Settings lets owners discharge the battery back below that threshold before repairs, trade-ins, resale, or gifting.
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launched this week with starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299, higher than last year's $1,099 and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. For consumers unwilling to pay the premium for faster chips, improved cameras, and a foldable design, there are simpler ways to make an existing iPhone feel new again.
Apple increased the out-of-warranty battery replacement cost for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by $10, from $119 to $129, likely reflecting the larger battery capacities in the new models. Older iPhones, including the iPhone 6 and original SE, still qualify for the cheapest replacement at $69. Apple has not commented on the price change.
New Apple CEO John Ternus greeted customers in person at Apple's Fifth Avenue store in New York as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max went on sale, taking selfies and signing boxes for fans who had preordered the devices. It marked his first public product launch appearance since succeeding Tim Cook, continuing Apple's tradition of CEO-attended store openings.
Apple did not ship the iPhone Duo's official wallpapers with iOS 27, but the artwork has now appeared inside the iPhone Simulator bundled with the newly released Xcode 27.1 beta. That means users can extract all four dune-and-mountain wallpapers—two light mode and two dark mode—designed for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone.
Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and BigBasket began selling Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in India as soon as they launched, promising doorstep delivery in roughly 10 minutes alongside traditional retail channels. BigBasket reported over 300 units sold in the first hour, while Instamart said Bengaluru led orders, though several platforms saw stock run out within hours.
Apple has launched new Silicone and TechWoven MagSafe cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $49 and $59 respectively, in colors like Burgundy, Mulberry and Taupe. Third-party makers including ESR, Spigen, Nomad and Burton Goods have also released their own iPhone 18 Pro case collections, ranging from budget options starting at $14 to premium leather and stand-equipped designs.
With iPhone 18 Pro units now arriving to customers, retailers are running discounts across new cases, chargers, and cables alongside an existing $50 markdown on AirPods Pro 3. Amazon is also offering pre-order savings on the upcoming M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini lineup, plus a $320 cut on the entry 24GB M5 MacBook Pro.