Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades
The iPhone 17 Pro for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
iPhone 18 Pro Max: what to expect
What's expected to change vs iPhone 17 Pro Max:
- A20 Pro chip (built on a 2nm process)
- Apple C2 connectivity modem
- Variable aperture for main camera
- Noticeable battery upgrade: 5,000+ mAh
- Up to 2TB of storage
- Charging speeds around 40W
- iOS 27 + upgraded Siri and sharper Apple Intelligence
- Under-display Face ID seems cancelled now
- More polished look with new colors being tested
- Fall 2026, potentially September. The iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro may be accompanied by Apple's first foldable iPhone.
- Reportedly, production testing has already started.
Expected price:
- Potential price hike expected on options with more storage.
- Starting price may be kept steady.
Jump to:
iPhone 18 Pro Max release date
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026. The two Pro-branded iPhones may be accompanied by Apple's first foldable iPhone.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 18 family | September 2026* | September 2026* |
| Apple iPhone 17 family | September 9, 2025 | September 19, 2025 |
| Apple iPhone 16 family | September 9, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
* - probable dates
What's interesting is that the vanilla iPhone 18 might skip the fall 2026 release and instead be unveiled in the spring of 2027, potentially accompanied by an iPhone Air 2 and an iPhone 18e.
This is reportedly done so the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro get some attention from Apple fans. Obviously, this may make some people due for an upgrade go for a Pro model instead of waiting another six months for the regular model.
After the announcement, the models may have a short pre-order period and will then officially hit the shelves some 10 days later.
In late 2025, we learned that the iPhone 18 Pro had entered its initial production stages. Apple is reportedly also starting production testing, according to a new leak. This pretty much means that the two phones are moving along with a schedule pointing to a fall release.
iPhone 18 Pro Max price and deals
Recent reports indicate that Apple is expected to keep iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro pricing steady for the starting storage option (256GB).
| iPhone model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,199* and up |
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,099* and up |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 |
*- anticipated prices
Apple is rumored to adopt TSMC's 2-nanometer processors in 2026 with the two phones. As you may imagine, switching from 3nm to 2nm could raise the cost of each chip by around $35, a 70% increase from $50 to $85.
This added expense is expected to push up the retail price of these models unless Apple absorbs the cost internally.
Also, we have the rising prices for RAM chips that are due to the demands from AI computing. This may also influence a price hike, like it's done with Samsung's phones (the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus have higher starting prices, and the models with more storage on the Galaxy S26 Ultra as well).
iPhone 18 Pro Max deals to expect:
- Apple: Likely to continue its iPhone Upgrade Program, allowing users to get a new iPhone every 12 months through 12 payments and a trade-in of their current device.
- Verizon: The iPhone 18 Pro may come with no upfront cost (with an eligible plan), while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could require a small upfront payment; terms should be reviewed carefully.
- T-Mobile: Expected to offer the iPhone 18 Pro for free with an eligible plan and trade-in, with potential discounts up to $700 on any iPhone 18 model or BOGO deals when adding a line.
- AT&T: Anticipated to provide attractive promotions, possibly giving the iPhone 18 Pro for free with a qualifying plan and trade-in of any phone.
iPhone 18 Pro Max camera
Expected iPhone 18 Pro Max camera setup:
- Main camera: 48 MP sensor by Samsung with variable aperture (or 200 MP)
- Telephoto camera: 48 MP (4x–8x) Fusion camera
- Ultra-wide camera: 48 MP
- Selfie camera: 18 MP selfie with Center Stage
Earlier rumors claimed that Apple had partnered with Samsung to develop new chip technology at a US facility, where production of image sensors for iPhones could begin in March. This suggested the iPhone 18 lineup may be the first to feature Samsung's stacked CMOS sensor, potentially a 200 MP one.
At the very end of 2025, Samsung was reportedly hiring specialists for its Austin fab.
However, most rumors indicate that the main camera of the Pro Max and Pro may remain at 48 MP like their predecessors. So far, the rumor about a potential 200 MP sensor has not been corroborated.
Meanwhile, a promising leak says the iPhone 18 Pro duo's main and telephoto cameras could offer larger apertures, which allows more light to hit the sensor.
Variable aperture?
Some exciting rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max might feature a variable aperture. Curiously enough, this rumor has been corroborated more than once. Now, analyst Jeff Pu is also chiming in with the same expectation.
Variable aperture lets a camera adjust its lens opening to control light and depth of field. Generally, wider apertures improve low-light performance and background blur, while narrower apertures keep more of the scene in focus while reducing light.
Meanwhile, a teleconverter has also been rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This is yet another DSLR camera-like feature that may be available with Apple's flagship. The potential teleconverter would help improve zoom reach and decrease the need for the camera to rely on digital cropping for zoomed-in images.
However, this leak has not been corroborated by other sources just yet.
A simplified Camera Control button
Earlier rumors suggested Apple might remove the Camera Control button on the iPhone 18. Later, a more credible leak said it may be simplified and not removed. Weibo leaker Instant Digital talks about pressure-sensitive modules and their use for the button instead of the capacitive sensor. These modules would rely on pressure levels and sensing those for button functions.
The iPhone 16 and the iPhone 17 currently use both capacitive and pressure sensors under a sapphire crystal surface to detect taps, presses, and swipes. The new setup could work like Oppo's Find X8 Ultra, recognizing different gestures through pressure alone.
Cost is likely driving the change, as the dual-sensor design is expensive to produce and repair, while features like Visual Intelligence remain key to the button's value.
iPhone 18 Pro Max storage
iPhone 18 Pro Max expected storage capacity:
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1 TB
- 2 TB
iPhone 18 Pro expected storage capacity:
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1 TB
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to offer various storage options, likely ranging from 256 GB up to 1 TB for the Pro and up to 2 TB for the Pro Max.
The higher capacities would give users plenty of space for photos, videos, apps, games, and AI features, making it particularly useful for creators who work with 4K or 8K footage, ProRes RAW files, or run multiple demanding apps at once.
iPhone 18 Pro Max design
Largely, the iPhone 18 Pro's design is going to remain similar to that of the iPhone 17 Pro. Some leaks suggest a small cosmetic tweak: a slightly transparent glass section on the rear, likely over the vapor chamber, purely for visual effect. However, that doesn't really align with the sleek design Apple products are known for, so take it with a grain of salt.
The rear camera layout with a camera 'plateau,' the triple lens arrangement, and screen sizes are all expected to remain the same.
Leaks show Apple is not getting rid of the camera plateau with the 18 Pro Max and Pro.
Camera plateau is reportedly here to stay. | Image by FPT
As for the rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro models sporting under-display Face ID, it appears it's not happening this time around. The majority of rumors claim that the Dynamic Island is not going away, contrary to earlier beliefs.
Some rumors suggest the Dynamic Island may be smaller on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. | Image by IceUniverse
There have been rumors about Apple shrinking the Dynamic Island by placing some Face ID sensors under the display. However, these rumors were recently contradicted by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station. DCS believes that the iPhone 18 Pro may end up looking the same as its predecessor, including the Dynamic Island.
DCS's report claims the under-display Face ID will debut with the 2027 Pro-branded model.
Now, another tipster, Fixed Focus Digital, is also chiming in, claiming Apple apparently struggled with these under-display Face ID elements. So, if you were hoping for a smaller Dynamic Island this year, it appears that you'd be disappointed, as the majority of leakers now claim it's not happening.
Meanwhile, the two materials for the back (glass and aluminum) are said to remain for another year. Apple is said to have made the dual-tone design less obvious, though.
According to some reports, the company has been experimenting with new colors for the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro. Cupertino is said to have looked into Coffee Brown, Purple, and Burgundy for iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro color options:
iPhone 18 Pro renders. | Image by AppleInsider
Adding fuel to the fire (at least when it comes to the new colors) is Mark Gurman, who also iterates the claim Cupertino is testing some new colors. According to Gurman, the red is potentially the color that Apple may settle on for the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro.
Of course, there's still the possibility that Apple may opt for an entirely different color palette.
We've also heard that there won't be a black color option in 2026 as well (such was the case with its predecessor).
Meanwhile, rumor has it that the iPhone 18 models in Europe may ditch the physical SIM and may be eSIM-only, just like the ones in the States.
Thicker and heavier?
Apple is reportedly planning to make the iPhone 18 Pro Max slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, likely to accommodate a larger battery, just as it did with the iPhone 17 Pro (which was thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro).
The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to become the heaviest iPhone yet, with its weight reportedly pushing past 240 grams. That would put it above the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which both sit at 240 grams, and mark a noticeable increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max (233 g).
These rumors were corroborated by a recent leak from reputable tipster IceUniverse.
iPhone 18 Pro Max display
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature new LTPO+ display technology in 2026, which should allow higher refresh rates while using battery power more efficiently.
| Device | Screen size | Brightness |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 6.9" | 3,000 nits |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 6.3" | 3,000 nits |
* - anticipated
The screens are rumored to stay roughly the same size as the iPhone 17 series, around 6.27 inches for the Pro and 6.86 inches for the Pro Max, with a resolution of 1.5K. These panels should be bright and anti-reflective, as they are on their predecessors.
However, more recent leaks and rumors claim that the Dynamic Island may stay for another year, becoming slightly smaller.
Apple's plans to adopt hole-in-active-area (HIAA) technology for the iPhone 18 Pro, introducing a small pinhole cutout for the front camera, are, apparently, not going to come to fruition. Curiously enough, reputable industry insiders like Digital Chat Station and Ross Young have previously claimed we may see a punch-hole camera for the selfie lens.
Apple's plans to adopt hole-in-active-area (HIAA) technology for the iPhone 18 Pro, introducing a small pinhole cutout for the front camera, are, apparently, not going to come to fruition. Curiously enough, reputable industry insiders like Digital Chat Station and Ross Young have previously claimed we may see a punch-hole camera for the selfie lens.
iPhone 18 Pro Max battery
While there are no indications so far that Apple would substantially increase the battery capacity on the iPhone 18 Pro, there are reports suggesting the Pro duo could offer a notable battery advantage. Also, there are some rumors the mAh capacity might be larger.
Reputable tipster Digital Chat Station has claimed the iPhone 18 Pro Max may bring a bigger battery: reportedly, 5,000+ mAh. DCS has also said some international units may even come equipped with 5,200 mAh battery cells.
On top of it all, the company is expected to bring its in-house cellular modem to this year's Pro models, allowing tighter integration between hardware and software. This optimization could improve efficiency, giving the iPhone 18 Pro longer battery life compared with using a Qualcomm chip.
Additionally, rumor has it that iOS 27 would also improve the battery life on iPhones, thanks to improvements in efficiency that the update is said to bring.
Expected battery capacity:
- iPhone 18 Pro: ~4,000 mAh
- iPhone 18 Pro (eSIM): ~4,250 mAh
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: ~4,800 mAh, or 5,000+ mAh
- iPhone 18 Pro Max (eSIM): ~5,100 mAh, or 5,000+ mAh
iPhone 18 Pro Max features and software
iOS 27 is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, bringing deeper Apple Intelligence integration and a more refined Siri experience. Some of the AI tools delayed for iPhone 17 may finally arrive, giving Apple a chance to catch up with rivals that already lean heavily on generative AI.
According to a recent report, Siri may get a standalone app with iOS 27. The new OS version should finally bring the personal Siri that Apple advertised nearly two years ago. Reportedly, the new "brain" of Siri may be powered by a custom Gemini LLM.
According to a recent report, Siri may get a standalone app with iOS 27. The new OS version should finally bring the personal Siri that Apple advertised nearly two years ago. Reportedly, the new "brain" of Siri may be powered by a custom Gemini LLM.
Meanwhile, the standalone app may look like a chat app, and you should be able to re-enter previous conversations there, just like other AI chatbot apps like ChatGPT do. You would reportedly be able to switch between voice input and text input, and the UI may resemble the Messages app.
Siri should also be able to handle tasks inside other apps.
With iOS 27 and upgraded hardware, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be Apple's most AI-focused device yet.
With iOS 27 and upgraded hardware, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be Apple's most AI-focused device yet.
On the other hand, iOS 27 is likely to stick with the Liquid Glass look that iOS 26 brought. However, with iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro users should be able to use a slider to decide the look of the transparent elements. This should give you more control over how things look on the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro models.
iPhone 18 Pro Max hardware and specs
iPhone 18 Pro Max specs:
- CPU: A20 Pro (2nm)
- RAM: 12 GB
- Battery: up to ~5,100 mAh
- Charging: up to 40W wired charge
- Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB
- Camera setup: 200 MP main camera sensor, 48 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultra-wide, 18 MP selfie with Center Stage
- Connectivity: Apple's in-house C2 modem
iPhone 18 Pro specs:
- CPU: A20 Pro (2nm)
- RAM: 12 GB
- Battery: from ~4,100 mAh
- Charging: up to 40W wired charge
- Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
- Camera setup: 200 MP main camera sensor, 48 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultra-wide, 18 MP selfie with Center Stage
- Connectivity: Apple's in-house C2 modem
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are shaping up to be major hardware upgrades, with reports pointing to Apple introducing its first flagship-grade in-house 5G modem. This new chip, likely called the C2, is expected to deliver improved efficiency compared to Qualcomm's modems while also supporting mmWave, which was missing from Apple's earlier C1 modem.
The C2 has also been associated with a potential 5G satellite connectivity feature. If true, that would make the iPhone capable of covering for the lack of 5G connectivity in remote areas by connecting to a satellite orbiting the Earth. And I'm not talking about emergency SOS-type connectivity but about full-blown internet access. We'll have to wait and see if that rumor will turn out to be accurate, though, as it's coming from a tipster with a mixed track record (Fixed Focus Digital).
Apple is now said to have started production testing of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and according to rumors, there are not too many dramatic changes:
Machine translated post by leaker Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo. | Image by Weibo
At the heart of the Pro duo will be Apple's A20 Pro processor, rumored to be the first iPhone chip built on TSMC's 2nm process. The smaller node promises up to 15% faster performance and as much as 30% better power efficiency on the A20 compared to the A19. For the Pro models, Apple may also debut a new packaging method called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM), which integrates memory closer to the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to boost performance and keep the device running cooler.
Apple is also said to bring its N2 wireless networking chip to its flagship devices this time around. The N1 was the chip in the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro are said to come with the N2 chip. It should improve the reliability of Personal Hotspot and AirDrop and boost speeds even more than what the N1 offered.
Analyst Digital Chat Station believes that these hardware improvements would be the key selling point of the Pro-branded iPhone 18 models.
Also, there could be higher-performance RAM sourced from Samsung. This 6-channel memory would deliver greater bandwidth, enabling smoother multitasking and powering more advanced AI features. Faster RAM would also boost overall performance across apps, gaming, and productivity.
Should I wait for the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
- You should wait for the iPhone 18 Pro duo if you want Apple’s biggest leap in performance, efficiency, and camera technology in years. The phone is shaping up to bring quite a lot of hardware upgrades, and if you have an iPhone 15 or older, you may really be due for an upgrade.
- You should not wait for the iPhone 18 Pro duo if you're currently rocking the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. The differences in speed may not be as noticeable in daily life between these two models, and the design is expected to remain the same, so there's that.
Latest rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro
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