Apple has introduced a new direction for its flagship smartphone range, pairing upgraded Pro models with its first foldable iPhone.
The company unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo at its September 9 event. While the Pro models concentrate on photography, performance and battery life, the Duo introduces a folding screen that opens into a larger workspace.
The launch also brings a substantial price jump for anyone choosing the foldable. Its US starting price is $1,999, placing it well above both new Pro models.
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro range
iPhone 18 Pro puts photography at the centre
The biggest camera change is a variable aperture on the 48-megapixel main camera.
This allows the camera to adjust how much light enters the lens and control how much of a scene remains in focus. Apple says the upgrade improves photography and video in darker conditions.
Meanwhile, new manual controls give photographers more influence over their images. Users can adjust settings such as shutter speed, aperture and white balance directly in the Camera app.
The range also includes 48-megapixel ultrawide and telephoto cameras, alongside an 18-megapixel front camera.
Another addition, Apple Reference Image, records signed image information when a photograph is captured. Apple presents this as a way to verify what the camera originally recorded—a useful distinction as AI editing becomes more common. Apple’s camera and feature overview.
Two screen sizes and four colours
The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max increases that to 6.9 inches. Both support ProMotion refresh rates up to 120Hz.
Buyers can choose Burgundy, Glacier, Silver or Black. The phones use an aluminium unibody design with protective Ceramic Shield surfaces.
Inside, the A20 Pro chip works with an updated cooling system. Apple says this combination supports demanding games, creative applications and AI workloads.
For everyday buyers, however, battery life may matter more than processor specifications. Apple rates the Pro Max for up to 45 hours of video playback. That is a controlled playback figure, rather than a promise of 45 hours of normal mixed use. Apple’s technical specifications.
iPhone Duo brings a folding screen to Apple’s lineup
Product image: Apple.
The iPhone Duo offers a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen.
Opening the device creates more space for videos, browsing and working across applications. Its Split View feature lets users run two apps alongside each other—for example, viewing photographs while composing an email.
The folding design also allows the phone to stand at different angles for hands-free calls or entertainment.
However, the Duo does not simply reproduce the Pro camera arrangement. It has 48-megapixel main and ultrawide rear cameras, without the Pro models’ dedicated telephoto camera.
Apple lists Night Sky and Star White finishes. The device also uses the A20 Pro chip and runs iOS 27. Apple’s iPhone Duo overview.
How much do the new iPhones cost?
The US starting prices place all three devices firmly in the premium category.
| Model | Starting storage | US starting price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 256GB | $1,199 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 256GB | $1,299 |
| iPhone Duo | 256GB | $1,999 |
These are US prices, rather than confirmed Zimbabwean or South African retail prices. Local buyers should compare the final retailer price, warranty terms and network compatibility before ordering. Apple Pro pricing, Apple Duo pricing.
When will they become available?
Apple lists September 12 for Pro preorders, with availability beginning September 18.
The foldable follows later. Duo preorders begin October 16, ahead of availability on October 23. Buyers therefore face a longer wait for Apple’s biggest design change. Pro launch dates, Duo launch dates.
Anyone importing a US model should also check eSIM support carefully. Apple says its US versions activate through eSIM and do not include a physical SIM tray.
That makes the buying decision about more than screen size or colour. Alongside the purchase price, prospective owners need to establish whether their chosen network can activate the exact device they intend to import. Apple’s purchasing guidance.
