As we discussed earlier, Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable phone, iPhone Duo, for the Indian market. The new lineup gives buyers three distinct choices, from a camera-focused Pro phone to a large-screen foldable designed for work and entertainment.

According to Apple, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available in India from September 18, while iPhone Duo will arrive later, on October 23.

What is new in iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

The biggest change in the iPhone 18 Pro series is its new 48MP main camera with a variable aperture. In simple terms, the camera can adjust how much light enters the lens. This can help users take clearer photos in dim places and create more natural background blur in portraits.

For example, someone taking a food photo in a restaurant may get better control over the image without carrying a separate camera. Apple has also added updated Pro Controls for people who want more manual control while shooting photos and videos.

The new phones run on the A20 Pro chip and use an improved cooling system. That matters for users who edit videos, play heavy games, or use demanding apps for long periods. Apple has also made the Dynamic Island smaller and says the iPhone 18 Pro Max brings its biggest battery-life improvement yet.

The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max gets a larger 6.9-inch screen. Both models support a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and gaming.

iPhone Duo brings Apple into foldable phones

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. It has a 5.4-inch outer display for normal phone tasks and a 7.6-inch inner screen that opens like a small tablet.

This larger display can be useful for reading documents, watching videos, replying to emails, or running two apps together. A user could keep a video call open on one side while checking notes or messages on the other.

Apple says the Duo uses a titanium body, a redesigned hinge and stronger Ceramic Shield protection. It also runs on the A20 Pro chip and supports Apple Pencil USB-C, although Pencil support will be added later.

There is one important difference for camera buyers. The iPhone Duo has a dual 48MP camera system, while the Pro models offer a more advanced camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens. People who care most about zoom photography may find the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max a better fit.

Prices of these iPhone 18 models in India

According to Apple India, the starting prices are-

• iPhone 18 Pro – from Rs. 1,64,900
• iPhone 18 Pro Max – from Rs. 1,64,900 for the Pro range shown on Apple’s comparison page
• iPhone Duo – from Rs. 2,99,900 for the 256GB model

iPhone Duo storage prices:

• 256GB – Rs. 2,99,900
• 512GB – Rs. 3,24,900
• 1TB – Rs. 3,74,900
• 2TB – Rs. 4,49,900

Apple’s individual iPhone 18 Pro purchase page currently lists the 256GB version at Rs. 1,79,900, so check the selected storage and model carefully before purchasing any of the model in a final price table given by Apple or marketplace you are buying it from at the time of availability.

How it compares with earlier iPhones and rivals

Compared with the iPhone 17 Pro generation, the variable-aperture camera is the most noticeable upgrade in the iPhone 18 Pro models. The faster chip, cooling changes and display refinements also make the new phones more suited to heavy daily use.

The iPhone Duo does not have an older foldable iPhone predecessor because it is Apple’s first device in this category. Its closest competition comes from book-style foldables made by Samsung and Google. Apple’s main advantage may be the familiar iOS experience and how the device works with other Apple products.

Availability in India

As per Apple’s official announcement, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders open on September 12, with availability beginning September 18. The iPhone Duo will be available for pre-order from October 16 and will reach customers from October 23.

Key takeaways –

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro range focuses on camera control, performance and battery improvements. The iPhone Duo opens a completely new foldable chapter for Apple, aimed at people who want a phone that can also handle tablet-style tasks. Buyers should choose the Pro models for advanced photography, while the Duo may appeal more to multitaskers and large-screen users.

Facts Input- Apple Newsroom 1, Apple Newsroom 2, Apple India, Apple India 2