Apple’s next flagship phone might gain a little extra bulk.
A new leak suggests the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be slightly thicker than the current iPhone 17 Pro Max. As a result, this could potentially make room for a larger battery.
According to well-known Weibo leaker Ice Universe, the upcoming device will measure 8.8mm thick, compared to 8.75mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It’s not a dramatic change on paper. However, it could signal internal upgrades, particularly around battery capacity.
Other leaks seem to support that theory. Fellow Weibo tipster Instant Digital previously claimed the phone could tip the scales at over 240g. This would make it the heaviest iPhone Apple has released since the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
A slightly thicker and heavier design could be good news for battery life. Another source, Digital Chat Station, has suggested the handset may include a battery in the 5100–5200mAh range. This is a modest bump from the 5088mAh cell found in the eSIM version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Aside from that possible internal change, the overall design may stay largely familiar. The 6.9-inch display is expected to remain the same size. Meanwhile, other rumoured upgrades could include a smaller Dynamic Island, Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, a simplified Camera Control button, and a main camera with a variable aperture.
Apple hasn’t confirmed any of these details, and leaks this far ahead of launch should always be taken with a grain of salt. Still, if the reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might trade a fraction of its slimness for something many users would happily accept. That something could be longer battery life.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro are expected to launch later this year as part of Apple’s annual iPhone refresh. Will they be the best iPhones? We’ll have to wait and see.
