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Apple iPhone 18 Pro: Leak reveals exciting new camera features

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro (Max) and the iPhone Ultra are expected to launch with five exciting new camera features, which can already be previewed in the beta version of iOS 27. Photography enthusiasts in particular are likely to appreciate some of these new features.

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra are expected to be officially unveiled on Wednesday, September 9. Apple is said to be equipping its next-generation flagship smartphones not only with hardware upgrades, such as the main camera with a variable aperture on the Pro models, but also with a range of new software features that could be made available, at least in part, on the iPhone 17 Pro with the update to iOS 27.

MacRumors has already identified five new features in the iOS 27 beta that are likely to make the Camera app much more interesting for enthusiasts. First and foremost, it will finally be possible to manually focus the camera without having to rely on a third-party app. When manual focus is selected, the focus distance can be adjusted using a slider at the bottom of the screen. In line with this, the Camera app is expected to support Focus Peaking, which allows you to highlight in-focus areas of the image with a color of your choice, making it easier to see what’s currently in focus.

Manual exposure adjustment is also expected to be simplified in two ways. First, the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera app reportedly offers a histogram that shows when details are lost in bright or dark areas of the image. And second, areas of the image that are overexposed can be highlighted with a color overlay. The self-timer will reportedly allow users to take multiple photos in succession at a preset interval. Finally, the Camera app will be able to automatically adjust lens correction based on the selected aperture – further evidence that the aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro can be adjusted.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max battery is rumored to have a capacity of 5,391 mAh in the Chinese version and could reach 5,567 mAh in the North American model, which is sold exclusively with eSIM. These figures appeared in alleged filings with China's 3C regulatory body but have not been officially released by Apple.

The difference between the versions is reportedly due to the space taken up by the physical SIM card tray. With the previous generation, Apple itself confirmed that eSIM-only models utilized the freed-up space to accommodate a larger battery.

If the leak is accurate, both the 5,391 mAh and 5,567 mAh cells would surpass the 5,000 mAh capacity confirmed by Samsung for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

This potential upgrade would place the new iPhone in an unusual position in a direct comparison with Samsung. However, the OnePlus 15 would still lead by a wide margin in terms of rated capacity: the device's official specifications list a battery equivalent to 7,300 mAh, supported by charging speeds of up to 120 W.

Does higher mAh mean longer battery life? Not necessarily. While the iPhone 18 Pro Max's battery capacity determines how much energy can be stored, actual battery life also depends on the efficiency of the processor, display, modem, and operating system, as well as temperature and usage patterns.

For this reason, two phones with similar capacities can yield different results in tests involving web browsing, video playback, or gaming. Valid comparisons require identical testing procedures, screen brightness settings, connectivity, and temperature conditions.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, for instance, has a lower rated capacity than the OnePlus 15, yet the integration of hardware and software allows Apple to claim up to 37 hours of video playback for the Brazilian version. This figure, however, cannot be directly compared to independent tests conducted by other outlets.

A20 Pro chip...The A20 Pro could improve the iPhone 18 Pro Max's battery efficiency, though neither the processor itself nor its manufacturing process has been officially confirmed. Rumors suggest the component will be manufactured using TSMC's 2-nanometer technology.

TSMC claims its N2 process can consume 25% to 30% less power than N3E when chips operate at the same speed. This estimate refers to the manufacturing process, not a phone's total battery life.

It would be incorrect to equate this theoretical reduction directly to a 25% or 30% increase in battery life. Processor power consumption accounts for only a portion of the device's total energy usage; the screen, cameras, modem, and apps also impact the outcome.

Will the iPhone 18 Pro Max last 20 hours in tests? There are no battery test results for the iPhone 18 Pro Max yet. The possibility of exceeding the 20-hour mark in a benchmark—as cited by Tom’s Guide—is a projection based on leaked capacity details and the potential efficiency of the A20 Pro chip.

The device has not yet undergone the test published by the outlet. Any battery life figures presented prior to a product review should be treated as estimates, not as specifications confirmed by Apple.

Confirmation of the new battery? The first opportunity will be the Apple Event on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The presentation begins at 10:00 AM  and will be officially streamed online. Overdrive has prepared a guide with the schedule and details on where to watch the Apple Event.

The company typically releases its own estimates for video playback and streaming, but it does not always disclose the capacity in mAh in its commercial specifications. Even after the announcement, the exact figure may depend on regulatory filings or device teardowns.

mundophone