Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are overshadowed by the company’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, but they remain a strong choice for people who want a conventional flagship rather than a folding design, according to Bloomberg News’ Chris Welch.
Welch, who tested the phones for a week, wrote that the industrial design feels less fresh than last year’s models and the color options are more restrained. Still, the devices deliver worthwhile upgrades for anyone who has not replaced their iPhone in two or three years.
Camera improvements stand out. As an avid photographer, Welch said he was already sold on several of the latest upgrades, including changes that give more control and better results in everyday shooting. Battery life also reached a notable milestone: the smaller iPhone 18 Pro now delivers endurance in the same range as last year’s Pro Max, making all-day use far more reliable.
Apple shifted its usual fall playbook this year. It introduced the iPhone Duo alongside the 18 Pro and Pro Max while holding the standard iPhone 18, 18e, and Air 2 for a spring release. That leaves the current lineup aimed squarely at enthusiasts who typically buy the most expensive, feature-rich models.
Welch’s takeaway is that the conventional Pro phones are no longer Apple’s headline act, but they are still a capable, refined option for camera-focused users and anyone not ready to switch to a foldable.
MacDailyNews Take: iPhone 18 Pro Max is the best iPhone Apple has ever built; a true flagship.
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