Along with updated Pro models, Apple's innovative folding iPhone Duo is now available. All the information you require to select the ideal iPhone 18 is included in our primer.
The new iPhone Duo is Apple's most drastic overhaul in years, with a revolutionary foldable form factor. It lands next to the more recognisable iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. At least not yet, there isn't a standard iPhone 18. In spring 2027, there are rumours that we might see a more reasonably priced base model, possibly accompanied by an iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air.
Preorders for the two new Pro iPhones will open on September 12 and ship on September 18. Prior to its full release on October 23, the iPhone Duo is available for preorder starting on October 16. However, which model of iPhone 18 is best for you? I'll explain the distinctions and similarities between these phones so you can make an informed decision. For choices outside of the iPhone 18 series
Why Upgrading May Not Be Necessary
Remember that you most likely don't need the newest iPhone before you spend all those hard-earned dollars. If you own an older iPhone, Apple does a fantastic job of upgrading the software (the iPhone 11 Pro is still supported), and if you have hardware problems, your iPhone may be fixable with these troubleshooting steps or a new battery. Don't feel compelled to purchase Apple's brand-new product.
Unfortunately, Apple increased the price of the iPhone Pro this year, making both models $100 more costly than the iPhone 17 Pro series.
If you're determined to upgrade, you could choose to sell your old iPhone to raise money. Before you sell or give away your iPhone, make sure you make a backup and perform a factory reset. We have advice on how to set up your new iPhone and what settings to adjust to make the most of it once it comes.
The Parallels
We'll begin by examining the commonalities among this year's iPhone 18 models.
The CPU
The A20 Pro chip, which is Apple's most potent chip to date, is found in all three of the new iPhones. Although iPhones are now the most powerful phones in terms of raw processing power, the A20 Pro promises a notable improvement in performance (about 20% faster and 30% more efficient than the previous generation). Additionally, it has a new thermal design with a larger vapour chamber to keep things cool and a new neural engine to support on-device AI.
The A20 Pro's display engine ensures seamless screen switching for the iPhone Duo. Every model is said to contain 12 GB of RAM, despite Apple not disclosing this information.
The Screen
Every iPhone has an OLED screen that Apple refers to as a Super Retina XDR display, albeit they vary in size and the Duo has two. Additionally, they have ProMotion technology, which is a refresh rate of 120 Hz. When there is little activity on the screen, these adjustable refresh rates can decrease as low as 1 Hz, enabling features like the always-on display without significantly depleting the battery.
Similar to the iPhone 17 lineup from the previous year, the displays are shielded by the scratch-resistant and antireflective Ceramic Shield 2. Additionally, their brightness ranges from 1 to 3,000 nits. The inside screen of just the iPhone Duo has a unique nano-texture finish that gives it a matte appearance and lessens the visibility of creases and glare.
The Typical Specifications
The phones can withstand a brief submersion in fresh water because they all have an IP68 classification for dust and water protection. They all support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe), USB-C 3.2, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and four storage configurations (256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB). Additionally, it has Apple Intelligence, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and Siri AI.
To help you better understand which model to buy, here's precisely where they diverge.