The first reviews of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are out, with critics noting it is unfairly overshadowed by the iPhone Duo. Pre-orders initially started slowly compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, but now that testers have used the devices, the primary criticism is price. Marques Brownlee called it expensive, describing the phone as an S release refinement rather than a major redesign.

Robert Leedham of GQ agreed, calling it the practical choice over the $2,000 Duo, praising its elite camera performance and routine excellence. Mashable highlighted that even non-professionals take excellent photographs, though the iPhone Duo remains the more intriguing model. The Verge found the camera upgrades offer minor improvements but are not remarkable.

Overall, reviewers conclude the iPhone 18 Pro is the more practical buy, though some suggest waiting to try the Duo in person. Pre-orders for the Duo start October 16, 2026, with shipping beginning October 23.