Compare the iPhone 18 Series
The iPhone 18 series currently consists of two Pro models with the same chip and the same cameras. The real differences lie in size and battery life; below, you can compare them side by side, with current prices from dozens of retailers.
Which iPhone 18 is right for you?
Both Pro models were more expensive than their predecessors when they were introduced, so the choice is worth careful consideration. Below, we compare the two side by side. Next, we’ll look at the colors, the question of where the standard iPhone 18 fits in, and how it stacks up against the iPhone 17 Pro.
How do the iPhone 18 models really differ?
- iPhone 18 Pro: the compact Pro: 6.3-inch display, three 48MP cameras with a telephoto lens and a main camera with a variable aperture, allowing you to control the depth of field and light intake yourself.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: the same Pro technology in the largest size (6.9 inches), with the most space for the battery and thus the longest battery life in the series.
You don’t have to worry about updates: both models will receive iOS updates until at least 2031—a minimum guarantee from Apple that often extends even further. Beyond that, they share everything that makes a Pro a Pro. The choice comes down to how it feels in your hand and how long you can go without a charger.
Which model is right for whom?
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if you want the full camera suite in a size that still fits comfortably in one hand.
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you do a lot of filming, reading, or gaming on your phone and prioritize a large battery over weight.
The models side by side
| Model | Screen | Rear cameras | Weight | Storage | Price range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 6.3 inches | 3 | 211 grams | 256GB to 2TB | €€ |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 6.9 inches | 3 | 249 grams | 256GB to 2TB | €€€ |
*Relative price indication within the series: more € symbols mean a higher price. See the overview above for current prices.
What colors will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in?
Both models will come in the same four colors: Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy (internationally known as Glacier and Burgundy). Burgundy is the standout newcomer to this series. Blue and pink—colors that were rumored prior to the announcement—did not make it into the Pro series.
At Apple, the color does not affect the price. To see which retailer offers which color, check the page for the iPhone 18 Pro or the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
What isn’t (yet) part of the iPhone 18 series?
Two devices keep popping up in the search for an iPhone 18, but they aren’t listed in the overview above.
Where is the standard iPhone 18?
Apple did not announce the standard iPhone 18 alongside the Pro models and has not provided a release date for it. According to reports in the international tech press, including Macworld, Apple is aiming for spring 2027. Until an official announcement is made, this remains an expectation, not a certainty.
As soon as the device is released, it will take its place in this overview. If you don’t want to wait and are looking for an iPhone without the Pro price tag, check out the iPhone 17 from the previous generation.
And the iPhone Duo?
Apple announced the foldable iPhone Duo at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models, but the device is not officially part of the iPhone 18 series. We’re mentioning it here because it has the same A20 Pro chip and the same 48MP camera technology. That makes it a viable alternative for anyone considering a Pro model.
It is, however, a different kind of device: when folded, it’s a compact phone with a 5.4-inch outer screen; when unfolded, it features a 7.6-inch screen that’s nearly tablet-sized. On the other hand, the foldable inner screen is more fragile than the glass screen of a Pro. When folded, the Duo is also thicker, lacks a telephoto lens, and uses Touch ID for unlocking instead of Face ID.
If you take a lot of photos or want a familiar iPhone, the Pro models remain the safer choice. If you want the largest screen in your pocket, the Duo is the only iPhone that offers that. You can compare more foldable devices at foldables.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth the extra cost compared to an iPhone 17 Pro?
That depends on how you use the camera. When it was introduced, the 18 Pro was more expensive than its predecessor. In return, you mainly get the variable aperture, a faster chip, and a longer battery life. If you take photos thoughtfully, paying attention to depth of field and lighting, you’ll notice that difference every day.
If you mainly take quick photos and videos, then a iPhone 17 Pro from the previous series will perform virtually the same, provided it’s still available. Apple actually discontinued them shortly after the launch of the 18 Pro. Even more competitively priced are the refurbished iPhones.
