Apple rarely deviates from its September launch schedule even when the CEO goes, "One more thing" at almost the end of the annual presentation. That too is part of the Apple history linked to co-founder Steve Jobs. In fact, the announcements are generally already mostly in the public sphere well before launch despite the shroud of secrecy that Apple likes to envelop its gadgets in. However, this year is expected to be a quite different. There will likely be a huge deviation from the normal scheme of things. Apple is splitting its iPhone lineup for the first time in history, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max tipped to launch in September, while the standard iPhone 18 is expected to arrive in spring of 2027 along with iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air. If the rumours prove accurate, Apple's premium models alone will take the centre stage this year. Here is a close look at iPhone 18 Pro.
Pricing remains less than certain too. Unfortunately, buyers may well end up paying through their nose. Yes, that means Apple is unlikely to stick to its old vision of trying to keep each succeeding iPhone series' price at or nearly the same every succeeding year. However, while some analysts believe Apple will absorb rising component and manufacturing costs, others expect that this is not possible and there will be a massive increase in prices, especially due to yet another reason - Apple wants to raise iPhone Pro models to the highest, luxury-level, status and the price hike will reflect that. Current leaks and rumours suggest the iPhone 18 Pro price could start at around ₹1,39,900 in India.
The biggest upgrades that iPhone 18 Pro may tout are expected to be beneath the surface. At the heart of the iPhone 18 Pro is Apple's next-generation A20 chip, reportedly built on TSMC's advanced 2nm process. This will bring a host of benefits. If the leaks are accurate, users can expect improved performance (faster and greater number of jobs at the same time as well as better AI results) and much improved power efficiency (longer lasting batteries). Apple's new in-house C2 modem is expected to add to all that with more reliable connectivity. Even 5G connectivity is expected to improve, something that millions of people have been demanding for a long time.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to ship with iOS 27, that was unveiled at the Apple WWDC in June. Notably, all the older and eligible iPhones too will be able to update to this OS. The software introduces Apple's new Liquid Glass design language, deeper Apple Intelligence integration and a more capable Siri, continuing the company's push towards a more intuitive, AI-powered experience.
Photography is also tipped for a meaningful upgrade. Reports point to a variable-aperture main camera, allowing users greater control over depth of field and low-light photography. A 48MP Fusion main camera, 48MP ultrawide lens and 48MP telephoto periscope lens are likely coming. While iPhones are famed for their camera capabilities, these upgrades are expected to push it to another level altogether. It will strengthen the iPhone's reputation as one of the best smartphone cameras on the market.