Highlights
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max may become Apple’s heaviest and thickest flagship yet, weighing over 240g and measuring 9mm thick.
- Expected changes include under-display Face ID, redesigned camera modules, and a steel-encased battery, contributing to the increased size and weight.
- Apple plans a two-phase rollout with Pro models alongside its first foldable iPhone in September 2026 and standard iPhone 18 with iPhone 18e in early 2027.
Apple’s next-generation iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to launch in late 2026. The flagship iPhone is already drawing attention for its expected design and hardware changes. Adding to rumours via fresh leaks, it could become the company’s heaviest and thickest flagship yet. Here’s the full story.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Could Be Heavier Than Ever
A recent leak from Chinese tipster Instant Digital on Weibo claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will weigh more than 240 grams, making it Apple’s heaviest iPhone to date. This would surpass the weights of previous models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, both of which were lighter.
For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max featured a titanium body and weighed 227 grams, while the shift to aluminium in the iPhone 17 Pro Max raised the weight to 233 grams, partly due to a larger battery.
Along with the extra weight, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is also expected to feature a thicker chassis, measuring around 9mm, up from the 8.8mm thickness of its predecessor.
iPhone 18 Pro Max – What Else We Know?
The increase in weight and thickness is believed to be linked to internal hardware advancements. Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro series will introduce a new under-display Face ID system, redesigned camera modules, and a steel-encased battery. These updates could collectively contribute to the device’s added heft.
While Apple has yet to confirm whether the larger frame accommodates a bigger battery, it seems likely that the brand’s design changes are focused on durability and component integration.
Another leak indicates Apple plans to refine the iPhone’s aesthetics by colour-matching the aluminium frame with the reinforced glass back panel, addressing the dual-tone contrast seen on the iPhone 17 Pro models. This move could result in a more seamless and premium-looking design.
iPhone 18 Lineup and Launch Timeline
Apple is reportedly planning a two-phase rollout for the iPhone 18 lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and entry-level iPhone 18e could follow in early 2027.
Meanwhile, the second-generation iPhone Air is now said to be delayed indefinitely. This model was initially linked to the 2026 launch window.
FAQs
Q1. How heavy and thick will the iPhone 18 Pro Max be?
Answer. Leaks suggest it will weigh over 240g and measure around 9mm thick, making it Apple’s heaviest and thickest flagship iPhone to date.
Q2. What hardware changes are expected in the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Answer: The device may feature under-display Face ID, redesigned camera modules, and a steel-encased battery, contributing to its increased size and weight.
Q3. When will the iPhone 18 series launch?
Answer. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026, followed by the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in early 2027.