Short Answer
The iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro are officially expected in September 2026, alongside iOS 27. The two models will feature the new Apple A20 chip (manufactured on a 2nm process), more RAM, an improved selfie camera, and a refined design for the rear camera island. The estimated starting price in Romania is around 6,500 lei for the iPhone 18 Pro and 7,500 lei for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. If you want the best iPhone available, it's worth the wait; if budget is a concern, a second-hand iPhone 17 Pro or 16 Pro remains a very good choice — provided you check its IMEI before purchasing.
When Will the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Be Launched?
Apple has maintained the same schedule for its Pro lineup for years, so the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are expected as follows:
- **Early September 2026** — Apple presentation event (keynote)
- **Mid-September 2026** — Pre-orders open online and in stores
- **Second half of September 2026** — Availability in stores and deliveries
Unlike the standard models, for which there have been rumors of a possible separate launch (perhaps in spring), the Pro models remain on the classic autumn schedule, along with iOS 27.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Specifications
Processor and Performance
Both models will use the new Apple A20 chip, manufactured on a 2nm process. The main benefits are:
- Higher performance with lower power consumption
- Considerably faster AI processing (Neural Engine) for Apple Intelligence features
- **12 GB RAM** on both Pro models, useful for multitasking and AI functions
Display
- iPhone 18 Pro — approximately **6.3-inch** display
- iPhone 18 Pro Max — approximately **6.9-inch** display
- OLED LTPO technology with ProMotion 120Hz and Always-On Display
- Higher peak brightness and even thinner bezels
There are also rumors of a partial under-display selfie camera, but the Dynamic Island will most likely remain, in a more compact form.
Camera
- Triple rear camera system (main, ultrawide, telephoto)
- Improved main sensor with better low-light performance
- **24MP front camera**, for clearer selfies and video calls
- Telephoto lens with improved optical zoom on the Pro Max model
Battery and Charging
- Better battery life thanks to the more efficient A20 chip
- Fast wired charging and improved wireless MagSafe charging
- USB-C port (mandatory in the EU)
Design and Materials
- Titanium chassis, with a refined design for the camera area (rear island)
- Possible new colors compared to the iPhone 17 generation
- Water and dust resistance (IP68)
> Note: Until the official presentation, the specifications are based on rumors and supply chain sources. We will update them after Apple's keynote in September 2026.
Estimated Price for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in Romania
Based on prices from previous generations, the estimates for Romania (VAT included) are:
- **iPhone 18 Pro (256GB)** — approximately 6,500 lei
- **iPhone 18 Pro Max (256GB)** — approximately 7,500 lei
- Variants with higher storage (512GB, 1TB) will increase the price by 600–1,500 lei per tier
Final prices depend on the euro exchange rate and Apple's launch policy. The 1TB Pro Max models could exceed 9,000 lei.
What's New Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro
If you already own an iPhone 17 Pro, the differences are incremental:
- 2nm A20 chip (vs. A19 Pro) — faster and more efficient
- 12 GB RAM standard on both models
- 24MP front camera
- Slightly refined design and possible new colors
If you're upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro or older, the leap is significant: better display, vastly superior camera, longer battery life, and years of software updates.
Is It Worth Waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro or Buying Now?
Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max if: - you want the newest chip and the best camera available - you plan to keep the phone for 4–5 years - fast AI processing is important to you
Buy an iPhone 17 Pro or 16 Pro now (possibly second-hand) if: - you want a better price/performance ratio - you're not interested in incremental differences - you prefer to save a few thousand lei
At the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro, prices for older models (17 Pro, 16 Pro) drop both for new and second-hand units — a good time for a smart purchase.
Beware of second-hand iPhones before launch
In the periods leading up to a major launch, the second-hand phone market becomes very active. Many people sell their old models to upgrade to the new one, but at the same time, dubious listings also increase: phones with Activation Lock (iCloud), carrier-locked, or on a blacklist because they were reported lost or stolen.
Regardless of whether you get an iPhone 17 Pro now or an iPhone 18 Pro later, before you pay, check:
- **The exact model** — confirm it's the model promised in the listing (Pro vs. standard, storage capacity).
- **Find My / Activation Lock status** — a phone locked to someone else's iCloud account becomes unusable.
- **Carrier lock** — if it's tied to a foreign carrier, it might not work normally in Romania.
- **IMEI Blacklist** — a phone reported stolen can be blocked at any time.
An IMEI check shows you all this information in seconds, based on the phone's actual serial number — exactly the things that a model upgrade won't fix.
Frequently Asked Questions about iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max
When will the iPhone 18 Pro Max be released?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected in September 2026, along with the iPhone 18 Pro and the final release of iOS 27. Pre-orders usually start a few days after the Apple keynote.
How much will the iPhone 18 Pro Max cost in Romania?
The estimated starting price is around 7,500 lei for the 256GB version. Models with higher storage can exceed 9,000 lei. The final price will be confirmed at the official launch.
What chip does the iPhone 18 Pro have?
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max use the new Apple A20 chip, manufactured on a 2nm process, with higher performance and faster AI processing compared to the A19 Pro.
Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 17 Pro to iPhone 18 Pro?
For most users, no — the differences are incremental. The upgrade is especially worthwhile if you're coming from an iPhone 14 Pro or an older model.
Does the iPhone 18 Pro have Siri AI in Romania?
The iPhone 18 Pro technically supports Siri AI, but Siri AI features are delayed on iPhones and iPads across the European Union, including Romania, due to DMA regulations. There is no announced timeline for their availability yet.
How do I check a second-hand iPhone before buying it?
Ask for the phone's IMEI (Settings > General > About or by typing *#06#) and perform an IMEI check. The report will show you the actual model, Activation Lock / Find My status, carrier lock, and if the phone is blacklisted — before you pay.