Apple skips the base iPhone 18 at its fall launch event

Apple has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, at a surprise event in Cupertino, California. CEO John Ternus showcased the new devices, which include the company's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. These models are powered by the latest A20 Pro chip, boasting the most powerful silicon yet, and come with iOS 27 pre-installed.

In the United States, the base model of the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 with 256GB storage, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299 for the same storage capacity. The phone is available in four colour options: Burgundy, Glacier, Black, and Silver. In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at approximately Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is priced around Rs 1,79,900.

Both models offer storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Apple is also selling protective cases, including an A TechWoven Case with MagSafe, a Clear Case with MagSafe, and a Silicone Case with MagSafe, all priced between Rs 5,900 and Rs 6,900. A FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe is available for Rs 6,900.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max share a unibody design from previous Pro models, featuring a full-width camera plateau and a colour-matched frame. The display on the iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR screen with ProMotion up to 120Hz, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch panel with identical specifications. The devices are powered by the new A20 Pro chipset, which Apple claims is its most capable processor yet, providing up to 20% faster performance.

The new iPhone models bring advanced camera capabilities with a triple rear camera setup, including a 48MP Fusion Main sensor with variable aperture and a custom-designed lens. This upgrade improves night mode photography, such as astrophotography. Users can also utilize Pro controls for adjusting photos and videos, as well as Photography Styles for different creative options.

Both phones feature larger batteries, thanks to the A20 Pro chip's improved power efficiency, offering extended battery life for video playback and general usage.