Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is already stirring excitement ahead of its official release, primarily due to its anticipated weight. Recent leaks suggest that this flagship model could exceed 240 grams, making it Apple’s heaviest iPhone to date, surpassing the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which weighs 233 grams. This potential increase marks one of the most significant year-over-year weight changes in Apple’s iPhone history. The reasons behind the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s increased weight are believed to be linked to several hardware and design enhancements. A notable change includes the planned introduction of an under-display Face ID system, which aims to eliminate the traditional notch while retaining advanced facial recognition capabilities.
Additionally, the camera module is rumored to undergo redesign, contributing to the overall bulk. There are speculations that Apple may use a steel-encased battery for improved durability or heat management, although it is uncertain if this will lead to a larger battery capacity. Furthermore, reports indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could have a chassis thickness nearing 9mm, slightly more than the 8.8mm of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This thicker structure suggests Apple’s focus on durability while enhancing internal components, resulting in a device heavier than previous models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, each weighing around 240 grams.
Essentially, Apple appears to be prioritizing performance and durability over maintaining the lightweight nature of its previous flagship devices. In terms of design, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature subtle aesthetic updates, including a possible resolution of the dual-tone finish seen in the iPhone 17 Pro series, aligning the aluminum frame color with the reinforced glass back for a more cohesive look. The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is anticipated in September 2026, alongside the expected iPhone Fold. Meanwhile, the entry-level iPhone 18 and a new budget-friendly iPhone 18e are set to be introduced in early 2027.
Pricing for the iPhone 18 series is expected to mirror that of the iPhone 17 lineup, with the iPhone 17 starting at ₹82,900 and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max priced at ₹1,34,900 and ₹1,49,900, respectively. With these enhancements, Apple seems poised to launch its most powerful—and potentially heaviest—iPhone yet, indicating a new phase in its design evolution.
