Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during its 'Surprise and Shine' launch event - The Hindu

Apple held its much‑anticipated “Surprise and Shine” launch event on Tuesday, unveiling the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the flagship offerings for its 2025 lineup. The Cupertino‑based giant streamed the ceremony worldwide, with CEO Tim Cook highlighting the devices’ “next‑generation performance and sustainability.” The announcement came amid a flurry of rumors about a possible foldable iPhone Duo, but Apple kept the focus squarely on the two new Pro models, emphasizing a refreshed design language and a shift to a titanium alloy frame.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $999 in the United States, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,199, with Indian pricing disclosed by Moneycontrol at ₹1,19,900 and ₹1,29,900 respectively for the base configurations. Both phones are powered by Apple’s newly introduced A18 Bionic chip, promising up to 30 percent faster CPU performance and 40 percent better graphics efficiency than the previous generation. Camera upgrades include a 48‑megapixel primary sensor, a periscope‑style telephoto lens offering 5× optical zoom on the Pro Max, and improved low‑light processing. Apple also moved to a USB‑C charging port to comply with new global regulations, and iOS 18 brings a more customizable Dynamic Island, enhanced privacy controls, and tighter integration with the company’s ecosystem of services.

Analysts noted that the titanium chassis not only reduces weight but also aligns with Apple’s environmental goals, as the material is largely recycled. Market reaction has been cautiously optimistic; shares rose 1.2 percent in early trading, and pre‑orders in key markets are already outpacing those for the iPhone 17 series. While the event did not reveal the rumored $2,000 foldable iPhone Duo, Bloomberg and The Times of India reported that Apple may introduce the device later this year, positioning it as a premium option for power users. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup, however, is expected to dominate sales in the upcoming holiday season, bolstered by strong demand in India and other emerging markets.