Rumors: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may be thicker, mainly due to camera module

A few days ago a rumor doubled down on some previously leaked claims about the iPhone 18 Pro being noticeably thicker than its predecessor, by about 2mm. Today the prolific leaker who goes by Ice Universe has revealed the iPhone 18 Pro Max's weight and thickness, and if these numbers are accurate, it will be a bit chunkier than last year’s model. Apparently, it's going to weigh 240g and be 9mm thick. iPhone 17 Pro Max For comparison, note that the iPhone 17 Pro Max weighs 233g and is 8.8mm thick, so the increase isn't really as big as previously rumored. If last year's model feels...

Macworld The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026 featuring several cutting-edge hardware advancements, including the debut of Apple’s C2 modem, and a shift to a 2nm manufacturing process for the A20 Pro chip.  Other key rumored upgrades include a smaller Dynamic Island with under-display Face ID components and camera improvements that may include variable aperture on the Pro Max and enhanced sensors. Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Apple is said to be planning to launch the ultra-premium folding iPhone. However, in a change to the usual schedule, the company is expected to shift the launch of the iPhone 18 spring 2027 to keep the spotlight on the Pro series during its traditional September debut. Here’s a quick summary of what all the rumors and leaks say to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in 2026. Update July 9, 2026: A recent rumor says that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be significantly thicker, but our info does not corroborate this. Rather, we expect a bigger camera bump, but a body the same size as current models. What are the biggest upgrades for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Pro models launching first in September 2026, base models delayed to spring 2027 Smaller Dynamic Island likely, with some Face ID components under the display Possible variable aperture camera (Pro Max only) New A20 chip (2nm) for performance and efficiency gains Apple’s own C2 modem expected across the lineup Potential satellite internet support, for web browsing and so on, not just emergency use How is iPhone 18 Pro/Max different from iPhone 17 Pro/Max? Split release schedule (Pro first, base later) Smaller or modified Dynamic Island Possible under-display Face ID components New modem (shift away from Qualcomm) Camera experimentation (rumored variable aperture on Pro Max) iPhone 18 Pro/Max vs iPhone 17 Pro/Max FeatureiPhone 18 Pro/Max rumorsLikelihoodiPhone 17 Pro/MaxLaunch dateSeptember 2026Very likelySeptember 2025Dynamic IslandSmaller designCredible rumorNo change since 2022 iPhone 14 ProFace IDUnder-displayCredible rumorNo change since 2022 iPhone 14 ProModemC2 modemCredible rumorQualcomm modemCameraImproved aperture technology for rear. 24MP selfie camerasPossibleAll three rear cameras are 48MP, optical-quality 8x zoom. 18MP front camera.ColorsDark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, SilverMacworld source confirmedCosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilverComparing iPhone 18 Pro rumors to current iPhone 17 Pro When will the iPhone 18 Pro/Max launch? Apple has not announced when the iPhone 18 lineup will launch, but based on its usual schedule, the company is expected to unveil new iPhones in September 2026. However, multiple reports suggest Apple could significantly change its release strategy that year. Rather than launching the entire iPhone 18 lineup at once, Apple is reportedly planning to release only its premium models in September 2026: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a new foldable iPhone, and potentially an updated iPhone Air. According to these reports, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e would follow in spring 2027. If accurate, this would mark the biggest change to Apple’s iPhone launch schedule since the lineup expanded beyond a single annual release. A staggered rollout would allow Apple to focus attention on its highest-end devices during the holiday shopping season while giving the company a second major iPhone launch window in the first half of 2027. It would also mean that every new iPhone introduced in September 2026 would likely start at $999 or more. As always, Apple has not confirmed these plans, and the release schedule could change before launch. iPhone 18 Pro/MaxSeptember 2026iPhone FoldSeptember 2026iPhone Air (2nd gen)Spring 2027iPhone 18Spring 2027iPhone 18eSpring 2027The anticipated launch dates for the 2026-2027 iPhones What will the iPhone 18 Pro/Max look like and what are the color choices? The design of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is said to resemble the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, but some changes are predicted. One possible change, shared by a Weibo leaker in September 2025, is a “slightly transparent” ceramic shield section on the back of Pro models, though details are unclear. Macworld contributor Filipe Esposito reported that a trusted source had revealed one of the new colorways for the iPhone 18 Pro to be Dark Cherry, replacing the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange option. Recent rumors claimed that the new phones will be significantly thicker than previous models, but all the evidence we have seen says that’s not the case. Instead, we expect the body to have about the same thickness as the iPhone 17 Pro/Max but with a thicker camera bump area. A recent ransomware attack against an Apple parts supplier included images from an iPhone 18 Pro “drop test” and other parts, and they corroborate prior rumors about the overall shape and design of the phone, which is broadly the same as the iPhone 17 Pro. Other shades are said to include: Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. There was also a coffee shade rumored (via Digital Chat Station). @macworld.com iPhone 18 Pro colors revealed! #iphone #apple ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld As with the iPhone 17 Pro, there will be no black option, according to Instant Digital. Screen sizes are expected to remain at 6.3 and 6.9 inches. The Pro models will also retain the wider three-camera raised plateau. Most likely: Design changes will be minimal, with the biggest visible differences limited to colors and subtle refinements. What’s new with the iPhone 18 Pro/Max camera? Eugen Wegmann Apple may introduce variable aperture technology to the 48MP main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (potentially only the Pro Max), allowing mechanical control over light intake and depth of field. This has long been a perk limited to high-end professional cameras. If the rumor (from Digital Chat Station on Weibo) is true, iPhone users will be able to mechanically control how much light reaches the sensor for the first time, allowing more control over depth of field and sharpness. This could elevate portrait shots by improving the applied depth of field effect, as well as minimizing overexposure. Wider telephoto apertures on the Pro models should also result in better low-light performance. For some time (since January 2025) Samsung has been said to be working on a new three-layer stacked camera sensor called ‘PD-TR-Logic,’ and this could appear in the iPhone 18 series. This image sensor is expected to enhance the camera’s responsiveness, while also offering advantages such as reduced photo noise, improved dynamic range. The main Wide camera sensor is expected to be larger than usual, which offers many benefits. The front-facing camera may also get an upgrade beyond the rumored changes to the housing (as discussed elsewhere the selfie camera may be housed in a smaller hole-punch cut out, reducing the size of the Dynamic Island). The iPhone 17 generation features 18MP sensors for the selfie camera, but this may increase to 24MP in the next generation, according to leaker WhyLab on Weibo. More megapixels would lead to improved video calls and better low-light performance.  Most likely: Incremental improvements, with a new variable aperture feature on the Pro Max. Will the iPhone 18 Pro/Max Dynamic Island or front camera change? Britta O’Boyle Apple hasn’t changed the Dynamic Island since the iPhone 14 Pro, but the iPhone 18 Pro may introduce some adjustments. Some reports suggest Face ID components could move under the display, shrinking the Dynamic Island.  A report in December 2025 from Weibo account “Smart Pikachu” claimed that Apple is testing an under-display “micro-transparent glass panel” for some Face ID sensors. This should enable a smaller Dynamic Island for iPhone 18 Pro.  The ever-reliable Mark Gurman at Bloomberg also reported that Apple will “shrink” the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 models, so there’s strong evidence that some of the several sensors and emitters required for Face ID will be under the display or combined. A spy shot published in March by noted leaker IceUniverse on X gives us a view of how much smaller the Dynamic Island could be. IceUniverse/X There have been conflicting claims that the position of the front-facing camera may also change:  In December 2025 The Information claimed Apple will put the Face ID sensors under the display, and move the front camera to the upper left corner in a punch-hole design. This would make the iPhone 18 Pro/ Max the first iPhones with a front camera in the corner. However, Prominent leaker account Instant Digital said on Weibo in January 2026 that front camera claim was based on a mistranslation, and only the infrared sensor moves under the display. Leakers ShrimpApplePro and Ross Young of DSCC corroborated Instant Digital’s claims. Most likely: A smaller Dynamic Island with some components of Face ID under the glass. Smaller pill cut out for camera, remaining in central position. Will the iPhone 18 Pro/Max display change? Stephan Wiesend Screen sizes should be consistent with the 6.3 and 6.9-inch displays on the current models, but reports suggest a massive jump in brightness from the current 1600 nits HDR and 3,000 nits peak. https://www.macworld.com/article/3039085/the-iphone-18-is-expected-to-get-a-much-brighter-screen.html According to Weibo leaker, Instant Digital, Chinese supplier BOE has revealed that Apple is targeting unprecedentedly high brightness requirements for the display. The Elec corroborated this, claiming BOE is struggling with iPhone OLED production so panel orders have been shifted to Samsung Display. Most likely: An increase in brightness is expected, but there are no details yet on the extent of the improvement. How powerful will the A20 chip in the iPhone 18 Pro/Max be? The iPhone 18 series is expected to use a new A20 chip, built on TSMC’s N2 (2nm) process. This will represent a major architectural shift for Apple’s smartphone silicon, primarily due to the transition to a more advanced manufacturing process.  This move to a smaller process allows for more transistors in the same space, which is projected to deliver up to 15% faster performance and 30% better power efficiency compared to the A19 chip.  The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models will utilize an A20 Pro variant to further differentiate their capabilities. This increased power is expected to support advanced features. The A20 could also follow the lead of Apple’s M-series chips by introducing “super cores,” similar to the M5 chip The A20 is rumored to use a new process called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging to incorporate the RAM into the SoC’s package. It’s not clear what the benefit will be, but more tightly integrated RAM can mean more memory bandwidth and lower RAM latency, or better power efficiency. Most likely: A typical Apple leap in efficiency and speed, with behind-the-scenes gains rather than dramatic user-visible changes. Will iPhone 18 Pro/Max battery life improve? Apple works to make battery life as long as possible every year, especially in the Pro model iPhones. A recent report claims that the battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,235 mAh on the Nano SIM model and 5,425 mAh on the eSIM-only version. That’s about 6-8% more capacity than the current model. The “Pro Max” variant of the iPhone gets a higher-capacity battery nearly every year, usually a couple hundred mAh more, thanks to better internal design and improving battery chemistry and manufacturing techniques. But battery life is a function of more than just battery capacity—the power use of the processor, display, and wireless radios all play an important point. We think it’s likely the iPhone 18 Pro/Max will have higher-capacity batteries, and battery life at least as long as the iPhone 17 Pro/Max. But a significantly longer battery life is hard to predict. Will connectivity improve (5G, Wi-Fi, satellite) with iPhone 18 Pro/Max? iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to feature the second generation of Apple’s in-house 5G modem, the C2 chip.  The C2 modem, which hasn’t yet launched, is expected to replace Qualcomm across Apple’s lineup. This should improve: Efficiency Performance mmWave support There are also reports that the new iPhone will gain full satellite internet support, expanding beyond emergency use. In October 2025, The Information claimed that Apple is gearing up to support 5G networks that are served from satellites. While the iPhone has offered satellite connectivity for emergency situations for years, if this rumor is true it would allow the iPhone 18 models to have full internet access via satellite, not just emergency services. As of April 2026, it looks like Apple is teaming up with Amazon to provide this service. Early in April, Amazon announced that it has acquired Globalstar, who was the provider of iPhone and Apple Watch satellite connectivity. So now iPhones and Apple Watches will now fall under Amazon Leo, Amazon’s satellite internet network. The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip (N1) will likely remain unchanged. Apple debuted its local networking chip in the iPhone 17 line – the N1 supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking. We haven’t heard anything about an N2, and honestly, one probably isn’t needed so soon. Could Apple have an “N1X” surprise in store the way it did with the C1X? It’s possible, but so far the rumor mill expects Apple to build the iPhone 18 line with the same N1 chip as found in the iPhone 17. Most likely: A meaningful upgrade in connectivity, especially if satellite internet expands. How much will the iPhone 18 Pro/Max cost? Pricing may remain the same as the current generation as no major pricing changes are currently rumored for the new iPhone 18 series. However, the introduction of a folding iPhone could dramatically change the pricing structure, as it will reportedly have a starting price of $1,999 or more. Current pricing is as follows: iPhoneiPhoneCapacityiPhone 17 Pro MaxFrom $1,199256GB – 2TBiPhone 17 ProFrom $1,099256GB – 2TBiPhone AirFrom $999256GB – 1TBiPhone 17From $799256GB – 512GBiPhone 17eFrom $599256GB – 512GB FAQ 1. When is the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch? September 2026. 2. Will the iPhone 18 Pro have under-display Face ID? It’s said that by putting some of the Face ID technology under the display Apple will be able to shrink the size of the Dynamic Island. 3. What chip will power the iPhone 18 Pro? Apple is expected to use the A20 chip in the iPhone 18 Pro. 4. Is Apple changing its iPhone release schedule in 2026? Apple is said to be planning to launch the Pro iPhone models, including a foldable iPhone in September 2026. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may not arrive until spring 2027. 5. What camera upgrades are rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro Max? Apple is rumored to be focusing on advanced lens technology and sensor improvements for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One prominent rumor is the introduction of a variable-aperture system in the Pro Max.

Macworld As we get closer to Apple’s September event, rumors about the next-generation iPhone are intensifying. This week, several Chinese leakers claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be significantly thicker than the current models—possibly as much as 20 percent. Although rumors quickly fueled speculation about a much larger battery and a redesigned camera system, most of the previous evidence, including CADs and leaked dummy units, points to a much less dramatic change in the thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro models. The evidence doesn’t point to a much thicker iPhone 18 Pro When Macworld first reported on the iPhone 18 Pro design months ago, the CAD files consistently showed the same overall chassis thickness as the current generation, at 8.75 mm. That detail has remained consistent across subsequent leaks, including physical dummy units that have surfaced over the past few months. While those models do show a larger camera bump and slightly taller lenses, the main body itself appears unchanged. That’s also what we’ve heard from sources connected to Apple’s supply chain. In other words, we can expect the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to have a thicker camera plateau, but not necessarily thicker phone bodies.  That’s an important distinction because many leaks tend to blur the line between overall device thickness and the size of the camera module. Looking at renders or dummy units from certain angles can easily give the impression that the entire phone has grown when, in reality, it’s only the camera housing protruding further from the back. The camera bump might be larger, but we don’t expect the iPhone 18 Pro to be much thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro.Foundry For example, well-known leaker Ice Universe recently reported that the iPhone 18 Pro will be 9 mm thick. However, the same leaker reported in March that the new phones would be 8.8 mm thick instead. Of course, Apple’s plans do change, but it’s always important to take these rumors with a grain of salt and a little research. Often these rumors get reposted and spread with little regard for the original source in an effort to jump on the latest trending topic. A separate Weibo leak by Fixed Focus Digital suggested the phone could be as much as 2mm thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple’s hardware designs can continue evolving until relatively late in development, and it’s always possible that newer prototypes differ from the ones reflected in earlier CAD files. Supply chain leaks also don’t always tell the complete story, especially when they originate from different stages of production. Even so, multiple other sources, including our own, still suggest that the new phones will be about the same thickness as the current models. We’ll know for sure in just a couple of months, but until then, I’d treat the latest “much thicker iPhone” rumors with a healthy dose of skepticism.

A few days after rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s thickness began circulating once again, a new report suggests that Apple’s next flagship could also be its heaviest iPhone in years. Here are the details.

A leak out of China suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be heavier and thicker than its predecessor.

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max could be noticeably thicker and heavier than its predecessor, suggesting a trade-off behind the device's rumored larger battery. Chinese leaker Ice Universe today claimed the iPhone 18 Pro Max will measure around 9mm thick and weigh approximately 240 grams. That would make the device around 0.25mm thicker and roughly 7 grams heavier than the current iPhone 17 Pro Max. The latest claim comes off the back of recent regulatory filings indicating the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a 5,391mAh battery in China and a 5,567mAh battery in the U.S. – an increase of nearly 500mAh over the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Ice Universe suggested the added thickness and weight are a direct result of the larger battery, but Apple is also said to be adopting a new type of vapor chamber that uses stainless steel, which could also be a contributing factor. The rumor builds on an earlier claim that Apple's next flagship could become the heaviest iPhone ever. If so, it would have to be heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which also weighed 240 grams, so it may turn out that there are only milligram-level differences between the two. Apple's use of titanium instead of stainless steel made the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro models. Apple then switched away from titanium to less-dense aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro models, but internal changes and slightly thicker designs bumped up their weight again. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max are expected to launch alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone this September.Related Roundup: iPhone 18 ProTag: Ice UniverseThis article, "iPhone 18 Pro Max Said to Be Thicker and Heavier Than Predecessor" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums