iPhone 18 Pro Delivers Subtle Upgrades with 2nm Chip

Reviewer Marques Brownlee classifies this model as an 'S update,' a designation historically used for iPhones that prioritize refinement over radical redesign.

Living in the shadow of experimental projects like the iPhone Air and folding Duo, the $1,200 device provides long-term consistency instead of the radical feature sets reserved for other models.

The Pro model no longer introduces groundbreaking features, instead focusing on delivering the best and most reliable iPhone experience. Brownlee argues that its long-term consistency and superior execution justify the 'underrated' label.

Moving to a lower f-number increases light intake but narrows the plane of focus, while stopping down to a higher f-number increases depth of field and sharpness.

This feature provides greater artistic control and enables 'starburst' light effects due to its six aperture blades.

Differences between aperture settings in casual photos are subtle and often difficult to distinguish at a glance, according to Marques Brownlee.

This tool is primarily intended for creative users who seek granular control over image composition, offering fine-tuning capabilities.

The camera's auto mode typically defaults to wider apertures, such as f/1.48 or f/1.8, to maximize light intake, with the f/1.48 maximum aperture particularly aiding faster shutter speeds and lower ISO in low-light conditions.

Brownlee suggests that variable apertures become increasingly significant as smartphone camera sensors continue to grow in size.

Very large sensors, such as 1-inch types, often produce overly shallow depth of field, leading to focus issues, especially for close-up subjects, which this feature is designed to mitigate. The reviewer draws parallels to the Galaxy S9's approach and notes Apple's increasing focus on granular software controls.

The native camera application now allows users to customize the interface bar for quick access to various settings.

Key manual features, including shutter speed, format, manual focus, and manual white balance, have been integrated. Brownlee also requests a Rec.709 preview for Log format recording and 8K 30fps video recording, citing the 48MP sensor and iOS 27's new storage management.

The iPhone 18 Pro is powered by the new 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, which marks a significant advancement.

This update, unlike previous cycles, achieves both increased performance and substantially better battery life, a rare simultaneous improvement.

Apple relocated the DRAM off the CPU to accommodate a three times larger vapor chamber, enhancing thermal management. The upgraded neural engine also contributes to significantly faster on-device tasks, including Siri responses.

The chip's capabilities suggest its high potential for future performance in other devices, such as the MacBook Neo.

Transistors are nearing the physical size of individual atoms as the industry shifts to a 2-nanometer architecture, a move that the speaker claims proves Moore's law is not dead.

Transistors are now nearing the physical size of individual atoms, pushing the boundaries of miniaturization.

Following a design shift in the iPhone 17 series that increased weight and thickness for larger batteries, the 18 Pro makes further gains.

Marques Brownlee highlights that the smaller iPhone 18 Pro now offers battery life equivalent to the previous generation's 17 Pro Max, indicating substantial efficiency improvements.

The iPhone 18 Pro easily lasts a day and a half on a single charge and can extend to two days with lighter usage.

The physical battery size is only about 3% larger than the previous generation, with the significant efficiency gains primarily attributed to the A20 Pro chip and its 2-nanometer architecture.

The iPhone 18 Pro now supports faster charging, capable of pulling 45 watts when connected to a 67-watt charger.

Apple's claim of seven hours of video playback after a mere five-minute charge appears accurate in testing, demonstrating improved power management.

European energy labels reveal capacities of 4,056 mAh for the Pro and 5,391 mAh for the Pro Max, bypassing Apple's persistent refusal to officially disclose battery specifications to users like Marques Brownlee. However, European energy labels provide the necessary transparency, revealing a capacity of 4,056 mAh for the Pro model and 5,391 mAh for the Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro introduces new color options, including burgundy and Glacier Blue, alongside a matte black finish. The Dynamic Island has been made smaller by moving the infrared Face ID sensor, previously in the middle, to the top-left corner and behind the display.

This reduction in sensor size now allows three Live Activities to fit at the top of the screen.

The 2-nanometer chip is the primary driver of its performance and efficiency, while the variable aperture camera is a subtle addition with potential for future relevance as camera technology advances. The device remains an expensive but predictable upgrade, consistent with market expectations.

The device largely avoids major overhauls, in contrast to the previous iPhone 17 Pro, which represented a larger shift in design and hardware. The 2-nanometer chip is identified as the primary performance driver for this model.

The variable aperture camera is included as a feature with future-looking potential, rather than an immediate, high-impact change.

The Minimal case features a sandstone-like texture, available in four colors, and can be bundled with the 'Prism' screen protector. Other dbrand cases, such as the Ghost and Tank, remain available and compatible with the new iPhone's design.