iPhone 18 Pro Max launch in India: Check expected price, specs, features and what Apple may offer for Indian buyers

Apple is set to host its “Surprise and shine” event today, September 9, with the programme scheduled to begin at 10:30 pm IST in India. The company has confirmed the event, but has not disclosed which products will be unveiled. Reports and leaks widely point to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable iPhone as the key announcements.

This year’s event could also signal a shift in Apple’s iPhone launch schedule. Reports suggest the company may restrict the September launch to premium models, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, along with a second-generation iPhone Air, could arrive in spring 2027.

Here is what is currently expected from the three premium iPhone models.

iPhone 18 Pro: Expected specifications

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a 6.3-inch display. Reports suggest Apple could introduce an upgraded LTPO+ display, potentially improving efficiency and display performance.

The phone is widely expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which reports indicate could be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. The new fabrication process is expected to bring improvements in performance and power efficiency.

On the camera front, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a triple rear-camera setup with 48-megapixel sensors. One of the major reported changes is a variable-aperture main camera, which could allow the lens opening to be adjusted based on lighting conditions and the desired depth of field.

Regulatory figures reported by MacRumors have pointed to a battery capacity of 4,056mAh for a Chinese version and 4,288mAh for a US version.

MacRumors estimates that the iPhone 18 Pro could start at around $1,249-$1,299(approximately Rs 1.18-1.23 lakh) in the US, while 91mobiles has reported a possible starting price of Rs 1,44,900 in India. Neither price has been confirmed by Apple.

iPhone 18 Pro Max: Bigger display and battery

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to continue with a 6.9-inch display, matching the screen size of recent Pro Max models. Reports also point to LTPO+ technology and a smaller Dynamic Island.

The larger model is expected to use the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro, with the 2nm manufacturing process reportedly aimed at improving performance and efficiency.

The camera system could receive the reported variable-aperture technology. MacRumors has suggested that the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera could allow users to control the aperture, giving them greater flexibility over light and background blur.

Regulatory figures cited by MacRumors indicate battery capacities of 5,391mAh for a Chinese version and 5,567mAh for a US version.

The overall design is expected to remain close to that of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Reported colour options include Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver, although Apple has not confirmed the final lineup.

MacRumors estimates a US starting price of $1,349-$1,399 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. In India, 91mobiles has reported a possible starting price of Rs 1,59,900, with higher-storage variants expected to cost more.

Foldable iPhone: Apple’s biggest design change

The third major expected launch is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which has been widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra in reports, although the final name remains unknown. Reuters has reported that the device could be priced above $2,500(nearly Rs 2.38 lakh).

Reports suggest the device will use a book-style folding design. It could feature an outer display of around 5.5 inches when closed and a 7.8-inch inner display when opened.

MacRumors has reported a possible starting price of around $2,199, with higher-storage versions potentially approaching $3,000(nearly Rs 2.85 lakh). Other reporting, including Reuters, has pointed to a price above $2,500. These estimates have not been confirmed by Apple.

Apple may delay standard iPhone models

Unlike previous September launches, Apple is reportedly expected to hold back the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e this year. Reports suggest those models could debut in spring 2027 instead, alongside a second-generation iPhone Air.

That would leave the September event centred on Apple’s premium iPhone lineup, with the foldable model potentially becoming the biggest new addition to the range.

Apple has yet to confirm the names, prices and technical specifications of the new iPhones. The details above are based on reports and leaks available ahead of the September 9 event.