Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max started this Saturday. Apple raised prices by $100 across the lineup, and the vanilla iPhone 18 is not expected until next year. The new Pro models feature Apple's first 2nm chip, the A20 Pro, running close to 5GHz and posting massive Geekbench scores. They also promise longer battery life, especially the Pro Max, and a variable aperture for the 48MP main camera (f/1.5-f/4.0).

For carrier deals, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer significant savings. Notably, the Galaxy S26 is cheaper than the iPhone 18 Pro, though Samsung's camera system is no match for Apple's Pro setup. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is also cheaper than the iPhone 18 Pro Max and features a 200MP main camera, 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto. Google's Pixel 11 Pro offers a competitive 6.3" model with a 50MP main camera and Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging, though performance lags behind Apple's A20 Pro. Considering Apple's pricing, foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip8 and iPhone Duo present viable alternatives, with the latter entering the market via pre-orders in mid-October.

The iPhone Duo, Apple's first wide foldable, will see pre-orders start in mid-October and sales a week later. Its main rival is the Galaxy Z Fold8, which is thinner and lighter. Both feature 7.6" inner displays, but Samsung has optimized One UI for foldables over several years, while this is iOS's first transition to larger internal displays. The iPhone Duo offers stylus support and an under-display camera, features Samsung abandoned last year. Both have comparable camera systems with 48MP main sensors and 48MP ultra-wide lenses.