In a year without a traditional base-model iPhone and with the introduction of a new ultra-premium model, the iPhone 18 Pro has plenty to prove. After several weeks of testing, both professional users and everyday iPhone owners will find plenty to appreciate.
For its fall 2026 launch, Apple took a different approach to its iPhone lineup. Rather than introducing a new base model alongside a new iPhone Air and two Pro models, the company unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max together with the new iPhone Duo.
Although the iPhone Duo has yet to reach customers, its introduction could influence the buying decisions of those considering the iPhone 18 Pro. Meanwhile, a new iPhone Air is not expected to arrive until early 2027.
In this review, we take an in-depth look at the iPhone 18 Pro. The model tested is the 256GB version in Black, with the device also available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage configurations.
iPhone 18 Pro Review: Design Changes and Updates
The iPhone 18 Pro can be viewed as an “S” year iPhone, borrowing terminology from the era when smartphone contracts typically ran for two years. During that period, Apple often alternated between major exterior redesigns and years focused primarily on performance and internal upgrades.
In those performance-focused years, Apple generally retained the existing design while concentrating on improvements under the hood. Similar patterns could be seen with the iPhone 3G and 3GS, iPhone 4 and 4S, and later the iPhone X and XS.
That product cycle is less relevant today, but it provides useful context for the iPhone 18 Pro. At first glance, the device retains much of the design language introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro, while Apple has made a range of significant changes and upgrades internally.
If Your iPhone 18 Pro Max Keeps Showing “SOS,” It May Need to Be Replaced
There are now software and carrier updates available for iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T who have not experienced connectivity problems. However, Apple says devices that have already been affected may need to be replaced.
Since its launch, some iPhone 18 Pro Max models have reportedly been losing access to the AT&T network, with certain devices unable to reconnect to cellular service.
Apple released iOS 27.0.1 earlier in the week, followed by a carrier settings update on Friday. Together, the updates are intended to help prevent the issue from occurring on affected configurations. However, the updates may not resolve the problem on devices that have already lost service.
In a statement provided to 9to5Mac and other outlets, Apple confirmed that it had identified the issue and outlined the steps users should take.
“We have identified an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network that may cause a device to lose service and be unable to make calls,” Apple said. “We released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and strongly encourage all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update now, and are also issuing a carrier settings update today. These updates together are meant to help prevent this issue from occurring.”
Apple also said that iPhone 18 Pro Max devices that have already been affected should be replaced. Users can visit an Apple Store to arrange a replacement, while some AT&T corporate stores may also have replacement units available.
AT&T has said the carrier settings update will be automatically delivered to affected devices over the next two weeks. However, users experiencing the issue may want to seek assistance rather than wait for the update to arrive automatically.
iPhone 18 Pro Review: A Major Camera Upgrade Is Only the Beginning
