Full Breakdown
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Review: Incremental Upgrades with Notable Tweaks
By Drooid · · How we work
New Hardware and Performance
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro introduces the A20 Pro processor, which the company claims is roughly 27 % faster than the prior-year A19 Pro and delivers about 45 % better graphics performance. A redesigned cooling system is intended to sustain peak performance during intensive gaming. The device is 7 g heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro and features a back glass that matches the aluminium frame, now offered in several new colours.
Camera System Enhancements
The flagship model retains the three-camera array from the iPhone 17 Pro but adds a variable aperture on the 48 MP main sensor. Apple says the aperture can open wider for improved low-light shots and can be manually set to f/4.0 for creative effects such as starbursts or shallow depth of field, though the small sensor limits bokeh compared with larger cameras. The 4× telephoto lens provides detailed images and reaches an 8× optical-equivalent zoom before digital zoom is required. Additional software features include AI-driven focus tracking, texture and grain controls in Photographic Styles, and a per-pixel “Apple Reference Image” signature to verify authenticity.
Battery Life, Software and Sustainability
Running iOS 27—released on 14 September for the broader iPhone line—the 18 Pro’s battery lasts about two days under mixed usage, delivering roughly six more hours than the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple states the battery will retain at least 80 % capacity after 1,000 full-charge cycles and can be replaced for £119. The phone scores 7 / 10 for repairability from iFixit, contains over 40 % recycled material, and is supported by Apple’s trade-in and free-recycling programmes.
Pricing and Market Position
Apple lists the iPhone 18 Pro starting at £1,199 (€1,449/$1,199/A$2,099), a £100 increase over the previous model—a rise attributed to the added RAM (“RAMageddon”). For context, the iPhone 17 starts at £899, the iPhone Air at £1,099, the iPhone 18 Pro Max at £1,299, the Google Pixel 11 Pro at £1,079, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at £1,359.
Verdict
The iPhone 18 Pro represents an iterative upgrade rather than a transformative redesign. Its faster chip, longer-lasting battery, variable-aperture camera, and refined Siri AI improve the experience modestly, but most users will notice only incremental benefits. The higher price reflects the added RAM and new features, positioning the device as the premium choice for buyers seeking the most capable small-size iPhone currently available.