Tom’s Guide assessment
Camera flexibility, performance and endurance improve; heavier bodies and higher original prices are the principal downsides.
Tom’s GuidePhones & tablets / Review roundup
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
2026 Pro, 256GB; not Pro Max
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources · 1 additional review
What reviewers found
The smaller choice for buyers who want Apple’s Pro camera hardware.
An older-phone upgrade is more persuasive than replacing a recent Pro; try the weight and compare storage before ordering.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
The smaller choice for buyers who want Apple’s Pro camera hardware.
The catch
Premium cost; Heavier than the preceding Pro
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission.
Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Variable-aperture camera
- Smaller Pro footprint
Cons
- Premium cost
- Heavier than the preceding Pro
In depth
TechRadar assessment
The smaller Pro is easier to carry than the Max. Improved thermal behavior and the variable aperture are useful refinements of a familiar design.
TechRadarWho should buy it
The smaller choice for buyers who want Apple’s Pro camera hardware. An older-phone upgrade is more persuasive than replacing a recent Pro; try the weight and compare storage before ordering.
Tom’s GuideTechRadarReview observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Published assessment
Qualitative findingTom’s Guide: Camera flexibility, performance and endurance improve; heavier bodies and higher original prices are the principal downsides.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Chip
- Apple A20 Pro
- Memory
- 12 GB
- Storage
- 256 GB selected
- Display
- 6.3-inch OLED
- Resolution
- 2622 × 1206
- Refresh rate
- ProMotion up to 120 Hz
- Main camera
- 48 MP, variable aperture
- Other rear cameras
- 48 MP ultrawide / 48 MP 4× telephoto
- Front camera
- 18 MP Center Stage
- Weight
- 211 g
- Protection
- IP68
- Port
- USB-C
Still unknown
- No firsthand testing or long-term failure-rate study by Next Interrupt. Published measurements retain their original sample and test conditions.
Watch the reviews
3 videos
Watch on YouTube ↗Marques Brownlee ·
iPhone 18 Pro Review: All About that Chip
Watch on YouTube ↗The Verge ·
iPhone 18 Pro review: it's all about the manual controls
Watch on YouTube ↗Mrwhosetheboss ·
iPhone 18 Pro Review - My Last iPhone?
Published reviews & comparisons
9to5Google · Comparison ·
Pixel 11 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro: Copy-copy-paste or just copy-paste [Video] ↗
Publisher excerptThere’s a new phone in town, and like the Pixel 11 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro looks eerily similar to what we saw last year. What can we glean from this duo? Here’s what you need to know.
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
Apple iPhone 18 Pro review ↗
Camera flexibility, performance and endurance improve; heavier bodies and higher original prices are the principal downsides.
Test scope
Camera flexibility, performance and endurance improve; heavier bodies and higher original prices are the principal downsides.
Publisher group: Future
TechRadar · Review ·
Apple iPhone 18 Pro review ↗
The smaller Pro is easier to carry than the Max. Improved thermal behavior and the variable aperture are useful refinements of a familiar design.
Test scope
The smaller Pro is easier to carry than the Max. Improved thermal behavior and the variable aperture are useful refinements of a familiar design.
Publisher group: Future
Alternatives to consider
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Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max3 reviewsBetter internal cooling allows games to maintain high framerates for longer periods while running noticeably cooler than the prior model.Trusted Reviews: Weighing 249g, the phone is noticeably heavier than previous generations, making it one of the weightiest devices reviewed recently. Trusted Reviews: While the physical variable aperture is innovative, the visible real-world imaging advantages remain relatively minor and subtle.Compare →