Apple iPhone 18 Pro series launches with A20 Pro chip and variable aperture

Apple has launched the iPhone 18 series, featuring the new A20 Pro chip manufactured on a 2-nanometer process. The Pro and Pro Max models introduce significant hardware upgrades, including a variable aperture camera system that allows for physical adjustments between f/1.48 and f/4.0 to optimize light intake and depth of field.

Technical improvements include a reduced Dynamic Island due to under-display Face ID sensors, improved thermal management via enhanced vapor chambers for better gaming performance, and high-brightness OLED displays reaching 3,000 nits. The A20 Pro chip is noted for reducing thermal throttling by up to 69 percent in demanding applications compared to previous generations.

Market performance shows the iPhone 18 Pro achieved a 12 percent year-on-year sales increase in China within its first three days, capturing a 33 percent market share during the week of September 14. This growth comes despite rising competition from Chinese manufacturers and shifting consumer demand. Pricing for the Pro models varies by region and storage capacity, with high-end configurations reaching several thousand dollars.