CUPERTINO, California- Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing upgraded cameras, a new processor, longer battery life and expanded artificial intelligence features.
The phones were presented during Apple’s first major product launch under Chief Executive Officer John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook earlier this month.
Cook opened the presentation through a recorded video before handing over to Ternus, marking the beginning of a new leadership era at the technology company.
Prices in Kenya shillings
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 in the United States. Both entry models come with 256GB of storage.
Using an exchange rate of approximately Sh129.45 to the dollar, the prices translate to:
- iPhone 18 Pro: approximately Sh155,200
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: approximately Sh168,200
These are direct currency conversions of the US launch prices, not official Kenyan retail prices. Local buyers are likely to pay more after taxes, shipping charges, dealer margins and other import costs are included.
The new models will also be available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB configurations, with higher storage options costing more.
Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on September 12, with sales starting on September 18 in initial markets.
A20 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence
Both phones are powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a two-nanometre process.
The processor includes upgraded CPU, GPU and neural-processing capabilities intended to improve performance and run more artificial intelligence functions directly on the phone.
Apple says processing AI requests on the device limits the amount of personal information sent to external servers.
An upgraded Siri will work with about 300,000 applications at launch, according to Apple.
The phones also have Apple’s new C2 cellular modem, designed to provide faster 5G connectivity while consuming less power.
New variable-aperture camera
A major change is the introduction of a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture.
The system can adjust the amount of light entering the camera, offering greater control in different lighting conditions and improving low-light photography.
Apple has also added manual professional controls, allowing users to adjust features such as shutter speed.
The devices can record 4K Dolby Vision HDR time-lapse video and include new tools for professional photographers and filmmakers.
Apple also introduced its Reference Image technology, which adds cryptographic information to photographs to help users verify whether an image is authentic or has been altered.
The feature will not initially be available in China or the European Union.
Battery, screens and colours
The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max carries a larger 6.9-inch screen.
Apple says the Pro Max offers up to 45 hours of video playback, the longest battery life yet on an iPhone.
The phones support faster charging, reaching up to 50 per cent battery capacity in about 15 minutes with a compatible charger.
A redesigned vapour-chamber cooling system is intended to manage heat during gaming, video recording and other demanding tasks.
The smaller Dynamic Island can display up to three Live Activities simultaneously.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available in deep black, silver, glacier and burgundy.
Apple also used the event to introduce the foldable iPhone Duo, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
