iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max & Duo Guide 2026

1. Open Camera and switch to Portrait.
2. Stand about a metre or two from your subject, with soft light on their face.
3. Choose a lower aperture for a creamier background, or f/2.8 if you want both eyes sharp.
4. Tap the face to focus, then shoot a few frames. Pick the best one later.

1. Clean the lens with a soft cloth. It really does matter.
2. Use the widest aperture (f/1.48) so the sensor gets more light.
3. Brace your elbows against your body, or lean on a wall.
4. Keep still for a moment after pressing the shutter.

Apple acknowledged this and fixed it in iOS 27.0.1, released in late September.

1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest iOS 27 version.
2. If it still restarts, go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Reset Face ID, restart the phone and set Face ID up again.
3. If it keeps happening, book a diagnosis with Apple. One owner reported that Apple’s diagnostics found their unit faulty.

Apple’s fix for the Notification Center and Control Center case is also in iOS 27.0.1. Update first. Until then, avoid pulling down both panels at the same time. If the screen still freezes in normal use, remove the screen protector and test again, since a poorly fitted one can cause touch problems. Then book a diagnosis if it continues.

Apple lists this as fixed in iOS 27.0.1 for a small number of units. Update, then shoot the same scene at 2x and f/1.48 in the same light to check. If the colour glitch is still there, contact Apple support with a sample photo.

This has been reported mainly by AT&T customers with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, sometimes after an eSIM transfer. Apple has pushed carrier settings updates, but it has also said phones that have already lost service still need a hardware replacement. Whatever your carrier, try Apple’s own steps:

1. Turn Airplane Mode on for about 15 seconds, then off.
2. Open Settings → Cellular and switch your line off and back on.
3. Restart the iPhone.
4. Go to Settings → General → About and install any carrier settings update that appears.
5. Contact your carrier. Have your phone number, the error message and your IMEI or EID ready (both are in Settings → General → About).

Avoid repeatedly resetting the phone. If the issue persists, ask the carrier or an Apple Store to check whether your unit needs replacing.

Some markets and models are eSIM-only, so this matters. You need Wi-Fi, an active plan from a carrier that supports eSIM and the latest iOS. Then follow the same five steps as above: toggle Airplane Mode, reset your line in Cellular settings, restart, install the carrier update and contact the carrier. Ask for a fresh eSIM QR code if the first one fails.

This is the one problem without a confirmed cause or fix. Owners of both the Pro and Pro Max describe it, often from the earpiece, while scrolling, getting notifications, typing or on calls. Apple has not made a statement. iOS 27.0.1 does not mention it, and some people say their replacement phones did the same thing. Things worth trying:

1. Update to the latest iOS and restart.
2. Remove the case and screen protector, then test again.
3. Turn Bluetooth off and try different audio sources and volume levels.
4. Note whether it happens in every app or only one. If it is every app, it is probably not the app.
5. Book a diagnosis. Keep your invoice and note the date you first noticed it, in case you need a return or replacement.

It is only worth worrying about if you hear it regularly. Many owners hear nothing at all.

A few days of extra drain and warmth after setup is normal, because the phone is restoring apps and indexing in the background. Let it finish, restart once indexing is done and update your apps. Then open Settings → Battery to see which apps use the most power. If it gets hot while fast charging, use a certified charger and cable, take the case off and charge in a cool place. If it is hot while idle for days, contact Apple.

A few owners, mostly in South Korea, have reported paint wearing off the frame. These reports are unverified and there is no recall or repair programme. If you see it, photograph the damage, keep your invoice and contact Apple support. Using a case from day one is the simplest way to protect the finish.

These come from general iOS 27 complaints rather than something specific to the iPhone 18. They are community-reported, not Apple-confirmed. Restart first, then update apps. Some users say turning off Keyboard Feedback in Settings → Sounds & Haptics, or switching from tinted icons to the default look, reduced stutter. Many people report iOS 27 running smoothly, so give it a few days before worrying.

Make sure you are on iOS 27 and that your iPhone is an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Then check that your device and Siri language are supported. Siri AI launched in beta with English, and more languages were due in October.

The Duo is not free of the foldable crease. Hands-on coverage shows a faint vertical dip through the middle of the 7.6-inch screen. It is most visible at certain angles and in some lighting, and much less obvious face-on. The matte layer helps reduce it. Early reports also say the under-display camera is easy to spot against the matte finish. The same coverage notes the Duo has no Face ID and no Action Button. None of this is a fault you can fix with settings. It is how the phone is built, so look at one in person before paying ₹2,99,900 or more.

Treat it with caution. The figure comes from a Chinese outlet and anonymous sources, and refers to yield on a small early production run. Apple has not confirmed it and no independent outlet has verified it. It may mean limited early stock rather than faulty phones reaching buyers. The practical advice is to buy from Apple or an authorised seller, check the phone on arrival, and keep the return window in mind.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (on sale since 18 September 2026) and the iPhone Duo (on sale from 23 October 2026). The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected in spring 2027 and have not been announced.

As of 15 October 2026, Apple has confirmed and fixed three launch bugs in iOS 27.0.1: a restart after a failed Face ID check, a colour glitch in some 2x photos taken at f/1.48, and a touchscreen that could stop responding when Notification Center and Control Center were opened together. Still open or unconfirmed: crackling or popping from the speaker or earpiece, cellular loss on some AT&T iPhone 18 Pro Max units in the US, and scattered reports of finish wear and heat.

Yes. Apple confirmed that some iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max units could restart unexpectedly when Face ID failed to authenticate, and fixed it in iOS 27.0.1. Go to Settings, General, Software Update and install the latest version. If your phone still restarts, book a diagnosis with Apple.

The cause is not confirmed. Owners of both the Pro and Pro Max describe crackling, ticking or popping, often from the earpiece, during app use, notifications, typing or calls. Apple has not issued a statement, iOS 27.0.1 does not list a speaker fix, and some people report that replacement phones made the same sound. Restart, update, test without a case and with Bluetooth off, and book a diagnosis if it happens in every app.

This has been reported mainly by AT&T customers in the US on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, sometimes after an eSIM transfer. Install the latest iOS and carrier settings update, restart, toggle Airplane Mode and contact your carrier or Apple. Apple has said phones that have already lost service may need a hardware replacement. It has not been tied to Indian carriers.

Yes, a faint one. Hands-on coverage shows a vertical dip through the centre of the 7.6-inch inner screen that is visible at some angles and in some light, though it is hard to spot face-on and the matte layer reduces it. The Duo also has an under-display camera that is noticeable against the matte screen. Try one in a store before buying.

No. That figure comes from a single unconfirmed report relayed from a Chinese outlet and anonymous sources about yield on a small early production run. Apple has not confirmed it and no independent outlet has verified it. It may point to limited early supply rather than defective phones in buyers’ hands.

Some owners, mainly in South Korea, report paint wearing off the frame, but the reports are unverified and there is no word of a recall. If your phone is affected, contact Apple support, keep your invoice and photograph the damage. A case and careful handling slow wear.

For most buyers, yes. The three bugs Apple acknowledged are fixed in software, and many owners report no problems. Update immediately, buy from Apple or an authorised seller, keep the invoice, and check the return window so you can swap a unit with hardware issues such as persistent speaker noise.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at ₹1,79,900 (256GB). The iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900. Confirm the latest price on Apple India before buying.

iOS 27 runs on the iPhone 11 and newer, but Siri AI and Apple Intelligence need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. The most advanced features need 12GB of RAM.

It is expected in spring 2027 with the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2, but Apple has not confirmed dates.