iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch: Expected India price, specs, cameras and design details
If early leaks are anything to go by, the iPhone 18 Pro series could be Apple’s biggest camera upgrade in years. From major camera upgrades to subtle design changes, here’s everything to expect from Apple’s next generation flagship.
Apple’s next-generation iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may still be a few months away from arriving, but early leaks and industry conversations are already shaping expectations. If reports are to be believed, Apple is likely to introduce its 2026 Pro flagship lineup in September, sticking to its long-established autumn launch window. For Indian consumers, availability of the Pro series is expected soon after the global launch. Along with the iPhone 18 Pro series, the company is also rumored to unveil its first foldable iPhone, while keeping the launch of the standard iPhone models intact for next year.
Of course, Apple hasn’t confirmed any launch details or a possible phased rollout of the series. That said, the leak suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, in particular, will focus on meaningful refinements rather than radical changes. With upgrades to the camera system, battery, connectivity, and display design, Apple is said to be aiming to make its flagships even better and more powerful. Let’s take a look at everything to expect.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to launch in India
According to reports, Apple’s first foldable iPhone along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced at the company’s annual September event in 2026, possibly in the second week. Historically, Apple starts global pre-orders within a week of launch, with sales in India starting soon after.
As for the delayed launch of the standard iPhone 18, reports suggest that Apple has pushed it to 2027 due to a combination of rising memory chip prices and tight supply chain conditions. As memory makers are said to be prioritizing demand for AI data centers, Apple faces less flexibility in sourcing key components at scale. The company is believed to be rearranging its launch strategy, staggering the releases of its regular lineup and opting to prioritize higher-margin Pro models and new form factors like foldable iPhones. While the standard variant will be introduced with 18e in early 2027.
Expected price of iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in India
The price of the next-generation iPhone Pro series is also under speculation at this stage, but early estimates suggest that Apple is thinking about an increase. The iPhone 18 Pro price in India is expected to start around Rs 1,35,000, while the larger Pro Max variant could be priced around Rs 1,54,900. For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro series starts at Rs 1,34,900.
Expected changes in the design of iPhone 18 Pro
Apple usually plays it safe with design changes. While the iPhone 17 Pro series brought some noticeable differences with the refreshed layout, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to keep things more subtle and refined. On the front, the iPhone 18 Pro may continue with a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max may retain a larger 6.9-inch screen. The leak suggests that the overall silhouette will remain familiar, with small refinements aimed at improving usability and aesthetics.
That said, the front design is one of the most talked about changes. Some reports claim that Apple could make the Dynamic Island even smaller, while others suggest that it could be removed entirely in favor of under-display Face ID components. There are also rumors that a semi-transparent design is being tested internally, although it’s unclear if this will make it to the final consumer version.
Camera upgrade possible for iPhone 18 Pro series
Apple is already putting its best camera technology on Pro models, and with the iPhone 18 Pro series, it is expected to take it up another notch. In fact, reports suggest that this could be one of the most significant camera upgrades introduced by Apple in years. The company is said to be experimenting with a triple rear camera setup, which is expected to feature a 48-megapixel sensor, teleconverter zoom, and a variable aperture system. These additions will allow users to adjust aperture settings based on lighting conditions and offer more advanced optical zoom – features that Android brands like Oppo and Vivo have already explored.
If implemented, these upgrades could bring iPhone photography even closer to professional camera territory, especially for low-light shots and long-range zooms.
Performance and battery improvements
While chipset details are still under wraps, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is widely expected to debut a new generation Apple Silicon chip, possibly the A20 Pro, which will bring improvements in performance, efficiency, and on-device AI processing. Battery life is also expected to improve, especially on the Pro Max. Rumors point to a battery capacity of around 5,100mAh, which would make it one of the largest batteries ever used in an iPhone, although this could result in the device being a bit thick and heavy.
Connectivity and Modem Upgrade
On the connectivity front, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to feature Apple’s next-generation C2 modem. It may bring back mmWave 5G support, which should offer faster speeds and better network reliability in supported areas.
While these details certainly sound promising, it’s worth noting that Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, so the information should be taken with a pinch of salt.