iPhone 18 Pro Max: Everything We Know About Apple's Next Flagship

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2026. While Apple has not officially announced anything, a steady stream of leaks, analyst reports, and supply chain intelligence is painting a detailed picture of what to expect. Here is a full breakdown of the rumored specs, design changes, release date, and price.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Release Date — When Is It Coming?

Reliable analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu of GF Securities, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have converged on a September 2026 timeline for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The 2026 launch is anticipated around September 9–10 for the announcement, with pre-orders opening immediately and sales starting September 18–19.

The iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and Fold will all come in September 2026, while the more affordable iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models won't launch until spring 2027. Customers who want to upgrade during the standard fall timeline will need to opt for one of the more expensive iPhone models.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Design — What Will It Look Like?

Apple isn't expected to change the sizes of the iPhone 18 Pro models, and they will feature the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes as the current models. The iPhone 18 Pro models may not have the two-tone look of the iPhone 17 Pro models. Apple has reportedly updated the back glass to minimize the color difference between the glass and the aluminum frame for a more unified appearance.

Rumors suggest three color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models, including a brown coffee-like shade, purple, and burgundy. Rumors also suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be the heaviest iPhone to date, weighing in at over 240 grams, compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 233 grams.

Under-Display Face ID — The Biggest Display Change

Multiple sources indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature under-display Face ID. While the selfie camera may still reside in a small punch-hole cutout, the infrared sensors will be hidden beneath the screen, resulting in a cleaner front surface and more screen real estate.

However, there has been disagreement in reports — a clarification from leaker Instant Digital notes that only the infrared flood illuminator is moving under the display, while the main camera and other Face ID components remain in a compact central module, making the Dynamic Island noticeably smaller rather than fully eliminated.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Chip — A20 Pro on 2nm

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process for improved efficiency, speed, and AI performance. This silicon promises better thermal management and power optimization compared to the A19 series in the iPhone 17 lineup. Paired with increased RAM — potentially 12GB or higher — the devices should handle demanding tasks like on-device generative AI, advanced Apple Intelligence features, and multitasking seamlessly.

Battery Life — Biggest Ever in an iPhone

Battery life stands out as a major upgrade. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could reach a record 5,200 mAh capacity — the largest ever in an iPhone — enabled by a slightly thicker chassis. Combined with the efficient 2nm chip and potential software optimizations in iOS 20 expected in fall 2026, the Pro Max could deliver all-day or multi-day battery performance even under heavy loads.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Camera — Variable Aperture Is the Headliner

One of the most significant camera rumors comes from leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, who reports that the iPhone 18 Pro Max — and only that model — will get a camera with a mechanically adjustable aperture, similar to DSLR cameras. This would be a first for iPhone.

Camera advancements include a 48-megapixel main sensor with variable aperture control, allowing users to adjust depth of field and light intake dynamically. This feature enhances low-light performance, portrait modes, and creative control, building on the iPhone 17 Pro's computational photography foundation.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Expected Price

As it currently stands, the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro Max remains unofficial, but early expectations suggest Apple may try to keep the Pro series within a similar range as the current Pro lineup. However, the arrival of the foldable iPhone — which is expected to start at $1,999 or more — could dramatically shift the overall pricing structure of the fall 2026 lineup.

All specifications above are based on leaks and analyst reports. Apple has not officially confirmed any details about the iPhone 18 Pro Max.