No base iPhone this year

Apple is only selling iPhone 18 Pro models for now. The standard iPhone 18 isn't expected until spring 2027, so base model fans should wait.

Pro models cost $100 more

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299, a $100 jump from last year. They're good phones, but you don't need to upgrade from a 17 Pro or older.

Battery life stays stellar

The Pro Max easily lasts two days on a single charge with average use. The smaller Pro comfortably gets through a day with 40 percent battery remaining.

A20 Pro chip handles gaming

The new processor runs demanding games like Control smoothly, though aggressive upscaling makes graphics look grainy. Benchmark tests show a sizable leap over the A19 Pro.

Better cooling prevents throttling

Apple tripled the vapor chamber's surface area, spreading heat across the entire phone. You can game longer before thermal throttling kicks in and slows performance.

Siri AI is actually useful now

iOS 27 brings a new Siri AI that's infinitely more capable than previous versions. It can answer questions satisfactorily, though it still lacks the spark of other AI assistants.

“Siri AI is infinitely more capable than any version of Siri that Apple has offered before.”

Smaller Dynamic Island fits more

The pill-shaped notch is noticeably smaller and now displays three live activities simultaneously, up from two. You can track orders, navigation, and calls all at once.

Variable aperture is the headline

The iPhone 18 Pro debuts a variable aperture with four f-stop settings: f/1.48, f/1.78, f/2.8, and f/4. Samsung and Huawei had this years ago, but Apple's implementation is new to iPhones.

Wide aperture means better low light

Open to f/1.48 and more light floods in for cleaner night shots and faster Night Mode. This also creates real optical bokeh instead of computational simulation.

Narrow aperture keeps scenes sharp

Step down to f/4 for group shots where everyone stays in focus. You can also create fun starburst effects with light sources at narrower apertures.

Manual shutter speed control included

You can now adjust shutter speed directly in the Camera app. A one-second shutter captures motion blur, though you'll need a neutral density filter in bright scenes.

Camera struggles with dark scenes

The iPhone tends to over-brighten very dark scenes, misrepresenting the mood you're chasing. The Pixel 11 Pro preserves shadows better, though it delivers more matte blacks.

New texture and grain controls

Apple added texture and grain options to Photographic Styles. These tools let you add authenticity and character to shots instead of chasing ultra-clean perfection.

A camera system for photographers

The iPhone 18 Pro's camera is fun without feeling overwhelming. You pick your level of control, tweak styles to taste, and adjust depth after capture. Shutterbugs will love it.