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 range in phases. Can’t see a standard iPhone 18 here yet? That may follow 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 take a look at the iPhone 17 series or all Apple phones. You can select the storage capacity, colour and variant on the model’s own page, where you’ll also see the prices from each retailer side by side.
Which iPhone 18 is right for you?
This range 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 share the same chip and the same camera technology. The question isn’t which 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 range.
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 until at least 2031 (a minimum guarantee from Apple, though in practice often longer). So you needn’t have any doubts about the specs; the difference lies in what you feel in your hand: size, weight and how long the battery lasts.
Which model is right for whom?
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if you want the full range of camera features 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 prioritise 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 range: more € symbols mean a higher price. See the overview above for current prices.
Where is the standard iPhone 18?
Unlike with previous generations, Apple did not announce the standard iPhone 18 at the same time as the Pro models. There is no official date; the device may follow later. As soon as it’s released, it’ll take its place in this overview. If you don’t want to wait and are looking for an iPhone without the Pro price tag, take a look at 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 features a 7.6-inch screen that’s almost tablet-sized. On the other hand, the foldable inner screen is made of plastic and is more fragile than the glass screen of a Pro; when folded, the Duo is thicker than a Pro; it lacks a telephoto lens; and you unlock it with Touch ID rather than 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 what you use the camera for. The 18 Pro was more expensive than its predecessor at launch, and what you get in return is primarily the variable aperture, a faster chip and a longer-lasting battery. 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 do virtually the same job, provided it’s still available. Apple actually withdrew them from sale shortly after the launch of the 18 Pro. Even better value for money are the refurbished iPhones.
