Compare the Apple iPhone 18 Series
The iPhone 18 series is the generation in which Apple is taking the Pro models’ camera to the next level and rolling out the rest of the lineup in phases. Don’t see a standard iPhone 18 listed here yet? It may be coming later; the models below are what Apple currently offers, independently compared and with up-to-date prices from dozens of retailers. Prefer the previous generation for less money? Then check out the iPhone 17 series or all Apple phones. You can choose the storage, color, and model on the specific model’s page, where you’ll also see prices from different providers side by side.
Which iPhone 18 is right for you?
This series isn’t complete yet: Apple released the two Pro models first and may be saving the standard iPhone 18 for a later date. So if you’re choosing now, you’re choosing between two devices that have the same chip and the same camera technology. The question isn’t which one is better, but which one fits in your hand and your budget.
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 therefore the longest battery life in the series.
Everything that makes a Pro a Pro is included in both models: the A20 Pro chip, the three 48MP cameras with variable aperture, the 120Hz display, USB-C, MagSafe, and iOS updates through at least 2031 (a minimum guarantee from Apple, though in practice it’s often longer). So you don’t need to worry about the specs; the difference lies in how it feels in your hand: size, weight, and battery life.
Which model is right for whom?
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if you want the full camera setup 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.
Where is the regular iPhone 18?
Unlike with previous generations, Apple did not announce the regular iPhone 18 at the same time as the Pro models. There is no official release date; the device may follow later. As soon as it’s released, it will be added to 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, making 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 has a 7.6-inch screen that’s nearly tablet-sized. On the other hand, the foldable inner screen is made of plastic and is more fragile than the glass screen on a Pro; when closed, the Duo is thicker than a Pro; it lacks a telephoto lens; and you unlock it with Touch ID 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 the foldables.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth the extra cost compared to an iPhone 17 Pro?
That depends on how you use the camera. The 18 Pro was more expensive than its predecessor at launch, and what you get in return is mainly the variable aperture, a faster chip, and a longer battery life. If you’re a serious photographer who pays attention to depth of field and lighting, you’ll notice that difference every day. If you mainly take quick photos and videos, then an iPhone 17 Pro from the previous series is virtually the same—provided it’s still available. Apple actually discontinued them shortly after the launch of the 18 Pro. Even more affordably priced are the refurbished iPhones.
