iPhone 18 Guide: All Models, Prices, Specs and eSIM Explained

Short answer: the iPhone 18 lineup launched in two waves. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were announced on September 9, 2026 and arrived in stores on September 18; the foldable iPhone Duo launches on October 23, 2026; the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e haven't been announced yet. Every model supports eSIM, and the iPhone Duo (and Pro models sold in the US and several other countries) is eSIM-only.

iPhone 18 guide: everything you need to know about the new lineup

The iPhone 18 lineup is different from every previous iPhone generation. Apple split the launch into two waves: the premium models launched in September 2026, and the cheaper models are only expected in 2027. In this guide you'll find all the models, the specs, the prices, and what's important to know about eSIM on the iPhone 18.

Which models are in the iPhone 18 lineup?

Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026. These are the models in the lineup:

• iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch display, on sale now
• iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display, on sale now
• iPhone Duo: Apple's first foldable iPhone, in stores on October 23
• iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: not announced yet

iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max: what's new?

Chip: the models run on the new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, with a 6-core CPU (2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores).

Camera: for the first time on an iPhone, the main camera has a variable aperture, with four aperture settings you can choose manually. The Camera app also includes pro controls for manually setting aperture, shutter speed and white balance.

Dynamic Island: the Dynamic Island is smaller and shows up to three Live Activities at once.

Battery and charging: according to Apple, the eSIM-only versions deliver up to 36 hours of video playback on the Pro and up to 45 hours on the Pro Max, and the Pro charges to 50% in about 15 minutes with wired charging.

Colors and storage: black, silver, Glacier (blue) and burgundy, in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.

iPhone Duo: the first foldable iPhone

Closed, it has a 5.4-inch outer display, and it opens to a 7.6-inch inner display, the largest screen ever on an iPhone. At 5.2 mm thick when open it's the thinnest iPhone to date, but also the heaviest, at 254 grams.

Key specs:

• Titanium frame, IP68 rating, in Star White and Night Sky (dark blue)
• Touch ID instead of Face ID, working both open and closed
• A20 Pro chip with 12GB of RAM
• 48MP main camera and 48MP ultra-wide camera, with no telephoto lens and no variable aperture, which remain exclusive to the Pro models
• Battery for up to 24 hours of typical use
• Support for the USB-C Apple Pencil coming by the end of 2026

Comparison table: iPhone 18 models

How much does the iPhone 18 cost?

Pro models: in the US, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299. Prices in other countries vary with local taxes, and since launch they also vary between retailers, with trade-in deals and grey-market imports. With grey imports, check the warranty and purchase terms, not just the price.

iPhone Duo: starts at $1,999 in the US.

When was the iPhone 18 released?

• iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: announced on September 9, 2026, with pre-orders from September 12 and in stores from September 18. They're now available from retailers and carriers.
• iPhone Duo: announced together with the Pro models but not in stores yet. It launches on October 23, 2026.
• iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: not announced yet. Reports point to a spring 2027 launch, but Apple hasn't confirmed this.

iPhone 18 and eSIM: what you need to know

This is the most important part if you travel:

iPhone 18 Pro with a SIM tray: in most countries, the Pro models have a physical SIM tray, and you can add two eSIMs on top of it. That means you can keep your home SIM and add a travel eSIM.

eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro: in Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the US and the US Virgin Islands, the Pro models are eSIM-only. Buying an iPhone in the US? It has no SIM tray at all, so you'll need to move your home line to an eSIM.

iPhone Duo: eSIM-only worldwide, with no physical SIM slot, and supports two active eSIMs at the same time.

Using a travel eSIM: an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max that's unlocked to all networks works with any travel eSIM that supports your destination. Here's how to install an eSIM on iPhone and how dual SIM works when you travel.

👉 Traveling with a new iPhone 18? At FlySim you'll find travel eSIM plans that install straight onto your phone, with no card swapping and without giving up your home line.

Frequently asked questions

Is the iPhone 18 on sale yet?

Yes. The Pro and Pro Max have been on sale since September 18, 2026. The Duo arrives on October 23, and the regular model hasn't been announced yet.

Is there a regular iPhone 18?

Not yet. Reports say the regular model and the iPhone 18e are expected in spring 2027, but this hasn't been officially confirmed.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro eSIM-only?

It depends on where you buy it. In the US, Canada, Japan, Mexico and several Gulf countries it's eSIM-only. In most other countries it has a physical SIM tray as well as eSIM support.

Does the iPhone Duo take a regular SIM card?

No. It's eSIM-only worldwide.

What's the difference between the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max?

Mainly screen size (6.3 vs. 6.9 inches) and battery life. The chip, cameras and colors are the same.

Can I use a travel eSIM on the iPhone 18?

Yes. Every model in the lineup supports eSIM, as long as the phone is unlocked to all networks. You can also check any model in our compatibility checker.