iPhone 18 Pro Hits Global Stores, Apple Fans Line Up for New Flagship
New Pro models bring upgraded cameras, A20 Pro chip, improved battery performance and expanded Apple Intelligence features
Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have gone on sale in markets around the world, drawing crowds of eager customers to Apple stores in cities including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Sydney.
Some buyers arrived hours before stores opened, with several hoping to be among the first customers to get their hands on Apple’s latest flagship smartphones.
The new Pro models feature upgrades to the camera system, performance, battery life and artificial intelligence capabilities. One of the most notable changes is the addition of a variable aperture to the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera.
Long queues at Apple stores
In Kuala Lumpur, customers began lining up outside Apple’s store at The Exchange TRX several hours before sales officially began. People who had pre-ordered devices were placed in a separate queue from customers purchasing phones directly from the store.
Reports from Singapore also described a large crowd outside the Apple Store on Orchard Road. Around 200 people were reportedly waiting before the store opened, with demand for the new Pro models remaining high during the opening hours.
In Sydney, customers gathered outside Apple stores from early morning. Some reportedly stayed overnight in an effort to be among the first buyers.
The launch also attracted resellers in Hangzhou, China. So-called scalpers waited outside Apple stores hoping to purchase the new models from early buyers and resell them later at higher prices.
New camera technology
While the overall design of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max remains broadly similar to the previous generation, Apple has introduced several changes to the internal hardware.
The 48-megapixel Fusion main camera now features a variable aperture. The technology allows the amount of light entering the lens to be adjusted according to shooting conditions, giving users greater control over exposure and depth in photographs.
Apple has also added new camera controls aimed at giving users more flexibility when taking photos and recording video.
A20 Pro chip and battery improvements
Both new Pro models are powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip and feature an improved thermal management system.
Apple has also made changes aimed at improving battery performance, particularly during demanding tasks. The company says the combination of the new processor and thermal system is designed to deliver sustained performance.
The phones also come with the latest Apple Intelligence features, including an upgraded version of Siri designed to handle user requests more effectively.
New color options and pricing
The iPhone 18 Pro is available in four colors: Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy. Glacier is a new addition to the lineup.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at £1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at £1,299 in the UK market.
Despite the premium pricing, the first-day launch generated significant interest across several markets.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, Apple has also introduced its first foldable iPhone, known as the iPhone Duo.
The device uses a book-style folding design, with a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external screen when folded.
The foldable phone is offered in Night Sky and Star White and uses a titanium body with a specialized hinge designed to improve durability and reduce visible creasing on the display.
Unlike recent iPhone models that use Face ID, the iPhone Duo reportedly relies on Touch ID for biometric authentication.
The device is expected to go on sale on October 23, with US pricing starting at $1,999. The reported UK price range is between £1,999 and £3,199.
Apple’s new Pro lineup and its first foldable iPhone mark a significant expansion of the company’s smartphone range, with the latest models placing greater emphasis on camera controls, processing performance, artificial intelligence and new form factors.
