iPhone 18 Price, Release Date and Features: The Full 2026 Guide
Apple finally showed its hand on September 9, 2026. If you’ve been holding off on an upgrade, waiting to see real numbers instead of rumours, this guide has them: what the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cost, when you can actually get one, and what’s new under the glass.
Quick Answer
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 (£1,199) and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 (£1,299). Both were announced on September 9, 2026, run on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, and come with a 48MP camera that adjusts its own aperture. Pre-orders open September 12, and phones reach stores on September 18. Apple also unveiled its first-ever foldable iPhone, priced above $2,000, though its exact name and launch date are still being confirmed.
iPhone 18 Release Date: When Can You Buy It?
Apple unveiled its ‘Surprise and Shine’ event at Apple Park on September 9, 2026. It opened pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on Saturday, September 12, at 5 am Pacific Time (US) and 1 pm British Summer Time (UK). The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available at Apple stores worldwide on 18 th September in over 65 countries, and 20 more countries on 25 th September.
One key thing to note ahead of set times is that the regular iPhone 18 will not see a launch, as Apple has separated its product line. This means the iPhone 18 and a new ‘iPhone 18e’ are expected to arrive instead in spring 2027. If you want to purchase a new iPhone this month, your options are the Pro, the Pro Max, or the foldable phone.
iPhone 18 Price & Release Date 2026 Breakdown
Prices went up by $100 compared with last year’s Pro models. Here’s the full breakdown, confirmed on Apple’s own US and UK store pages:
- iPhone 18 Pro: $1,199 / £1,199 (256GB), rising to $2,399 / £2,399 for 2TB
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: $1,299 / £1,299 (256GB), rising to $2,499 / £2,499 for 2TB
Apple UK also offers 0% finance over 30 months, working out at £39.96 a month for the entry-level Pro. If you’re trading in an old iPhone, that credit comes off the price at checkout, not after.
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: What’s the Difference?
Size is really the deciding factor here. Everything else — chip, camera, colours — is identical across both phones.
| Spec | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
| US price from | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,299 (256GB) |
| UK price from | £1,199 (256GB) | £1,299 (256GB) |
| Screen size | 6.3 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Chip | A20 Pro (2nm) | A20 Pro (2nm) |
| Top storage | 2TB | 2TB |
| Battery (video) | Up to 36 hours | Up to 43 hours |
| Colours | Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy | Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy |
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone: What We Know So Far
The biggest surprise was not the usual improvements but rather the unveiling of a new product category: a folding phone. Apple previewed a book-style iPhone that opens to a larger 7.8-inch display on the inside, while the outer screen is a compact 5.5 inches, similar to the current iPhone SE.
Apple has not officially unveiled a final name for the device, so you may see conflicting reports on social media and news outlets. Some outlets are also speculating what the device could be called. Pricing has not been officially announced, however, analyst reports and retail channels have estimated a price tag of around $2,099 and $2,299, far above the regular Pro Max. Expect supply to be limited throughout 2026, and sign up for a stock alert if you are interested in purchasing one.
Key Features of the iPhone 18 Pro Lineup
A20 Pro Chip: Built on a 2-Nanometre Process
Both Pro models run on the new A20 Pro chip, Apple’s first built on a 2-nanometre process. In plain terms, that means more processing power without draining the battery faster — useful if you run demanding apps, edit video, or rely on on-device Apple Intelligence features that used to need an internet connection.
A Camera That Adjusts Its Own Aperture
The headline camera feature is a 48MP main lens with variable aperture — a trick borrowed from professional cameras. It automatically opens wider in low light and narrows in bright sun for sharper, more natural-looking photos, without you touching a setting.
The Best iPhone Battery Life Yet
Apple says the Pro now lasts up to 36 hours of video playback, and the Pro Max stretches to 43 hours — about six hours more than last year’s Pro Max. Charging is quicker too: a 15-minute top-up with a 60W charger reportedly adds around seven hours of playback.
Colours and Design
Both phones come in Black, Silver, Glacier (a soft blue), and Burgundy. The Dynamic Island has also shrunk slightly, now able to show three Live Activities at once instead of stacking them.
Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 18?
If you’re still on an iPhone 14 or older, the jump in chip speed, camera quality, and battery life makes this a genuinely worthwhile upgrade. If you already own an iPhone 17 Pro, the changes are useful rather than essential — a better camera and longer battery, but nothing that makes the current phone feel outdated.
- Upgrade now if: your battery barely lasts a day, or you shoot a lot of photos and video.
- Wait if: you own last year’s Pro model and want to see how the foldable pricing settles.
- Consider the foldable if: you want a bigger screen for reading, work, or multitasking and don’t mind paying a premium for a first-generation design.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the iPhone 18 go on sale?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max go on sale September 18, 2026, with pre-orders starting September 12. The standard iPhone 18 isn’t launching this year — it’s expected in spring 2027.
How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the US and £1,199 in the UK for the 256GB model, rising to $2,399 / £2,399 for the 2TB version.
What’s the difference between the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max?
Mainly size and battery. The Pro has a 6.3-inch screen and up to 36 hours of video playback; the Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screen and up to 43 hours. The chip, camera, and price step are otherwise matched.
Is there a foldable iPhone?
Yes. Apple announced its first foldable iPhone alongside the Pro models. Its final name and exact launch date weren’t fully confirmed at the event, but early estimates put the price above $2,000.
What chip does the iPhone 18 Pro use?
It runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometre process for better performance and battery efficiency.
