Archive · 4 Sep 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Max May Bring Five Major Upgrades
Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could have several upgrades over the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Its main camera may gain a variable aperture, which controls how much light enters the lens.
This could give photographers more control in different lighting.
The phone may also have a larger battery.
A larger battery and more efficient parts could help it last longer.
Some Face ID parts might move under the screen, making the Dynamic Island smaller.
The phone is expected to use a faster and more efficient A20 Pro chip.
Apple may also use its own C2 modem, which could reduce power use.
These details are reported expectations, not confirmed specifications.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is reportedly expected to add a variable-aperture main camera.
Its camera system may retain 48MP main, ultrawide and telephoto sensors, with 5x or 6x optical zoom.
Reports suggest a 5,321mAh to 5,567mAh battery, up from 5,088mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Under-display Face ID components could make the Dynamic Island smaller, though an under-display selfie camera is not expected yet.
The expected A20 Pro chip and C2 modem could improve performance, efficiency and connectivity.
- Who
- Apple and its expected iPhone 18 Pro Max; reports also compare it with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- What
- A reported set of camera, battery, display, processor and modem upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- When
- Not specified in the report.
- Where
- Not specified in the report.
- Why
- The reported changes are intended to improve camera flexibility, battery life, screen space, processing performance and power efficiency.
- Main camera
- A variable-aperture camera is reportedly expected for the first time on an iPhone.
- Camera sensors
- The camera system may continue using 48MP main, ultrawide and telephoto sensors.
- Optical zoom
- The telephoto lens could offer 5x or 6x optical zoom.
- Battery capacity
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max may have a 5,321mAh to 5,567mAh battery, compared with 5,088mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Processor
- The expected A20 Pro could reportedly deliver an 18% performance increase and 30% better power efficiency than the A19 Pro.
- Display design
- Moving remaining visible Face ID components beneath the display could make the Dynamic Island smaller.
- Modem
- Apple may introduce its C2 modem in a flagship iPhone for the first time.