Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its “Surprise and shine” event on September 9, and the two phones are closer than ever. The 6.3-inch iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the 6.9-inch iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, both with 256GB of storage.
Both models share the A20 Pro chip, the same 48MP variable aperture camera and the same smaller Dynamic Island, so the decision comes down to screen size, battery life and $100. Here is how the two new iPhone 18 Pro models compare.
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 18 Pro Max specs compared
| Spec | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch | 6.9-inch |
| Starting price (256GB) | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Monthly price | $49.95 for 24 months | $54.12 |
| Video playback (eSIM-only model) | Up to 36 hours | Up to 45 hours |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A20 Pro |
| Main camera | 48MP Fusion, f/1.48 to f/4 | 48MP Fusion, f/1.48 to f/4 |
| Storage | 256GB to 2TB | 256GB to 2TB |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy | Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy |
The only differences Apple lists in its press release are the display size, the price and the battery figures. Everything else, from the 2-nanometer A20 Pro to the four color options, is identical across the two phones.
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Battery life is the real difference
Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro at up to 36 hours of video playback and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at up to 45 hours, with both figures quoted for the eSIM-only models. Apple describes the Pro Max figure as up to 30 hours of use on a full charge.
The smaller phone is not far behind. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro roughly matches last year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, which matters for anyone who wanted the smaller size without giving up a day of battery.
Charging is the same on both: 50 percent in about 15 minutes wired and 50 percent in 30 minutes wireless. Apple adds that five minutes on a cable gives the Pro Max about seven hours of video playback.
What both iPhone 18 Pro models share
- A20 Pro, Apple’s first 2-nanometer chip, with a 7-core GPU up to 40 percent faster than A19 Pro
- 48MP Fusion main camera with a variable aperture from f/1.48 to f/4 and six laser-cut blades
- Smaller Dynamic Island that shows up to three Live Activities at once, with Face ID retained
- N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, plus the C2 modem with mmWave 5G in the US
- Storage from 256GB up to a new 2TB option
- Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy finishes
Which iPhone 18 Pro should you buy?
If you want the longest battery life and the biggest screen, the Pro Max is the pick. The $100 gap between the two models is unchanged from last year, although both phones are $100 more than the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max they replace.
If you prefer a phone that fits in one hand, the iPhone 18 Pro gives up nothing on camera or performance, and its battery now sits where last year’s larger model did. That makes the smaller phone an easier recommendation than it was a year ago.
Pre-orders for both models open Saturday, September 12 at 5 a.m. PT, with availability on Friday, September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions, and 20 more on September 25. Apple has not published prices for the 512GB, 1TB and 2TB tiers, so check our pre-order guide before the weekend.
