According to supply chain leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a new 48MP Fusion main camera equipped with variable aperture - a first for Apple.

This feature allows the lens to widen in low-light scenarios to absorb more light, or contract to increase depth of field when needed.

Both the main and telephoto lenses are rumored to have larger apertures, promising better night photography and more natural bokeh effects.

Larger battery for extended usage

Apple is reportedly increasing battery capacity on the iPhone 18 Pro Max compared to its iPhone 17 Pro Max predecessor. While specific figures remain undisclosed, multiple reports refer to the increase as “significant.”

Even modest improvements could provide noticeably longer usage time - always a top priority for users.

A20 Pro chip on 2nm process: performance leap ahead

As expected, the Pro Max model will debut with a new processor: the Apple A20 Pro. This chip will be Apple’s first commercial processor built on TSMC’s 2nm (N2) fabrication process.

Compared to the current 3nm A19 chip, the A20 is rumored to boost performance by 15% and cut power consumption by 30%. Smaller transistors translate into lower heat and greater energy efficiency - making the iPhone 18 Pro Max both more powerful and longer-lasting.

Next-gen LTPO+ display for smoother, more efficient visuals

According to PhoneArena, the 2026 Pro models could introduce a new LTPO+ screen, an enhanced version of the current LTPO panels. The upgraded tech supports higher refresh rates while using less power.

In practice, users can expect smoother scrolling, faster transitions, and improved battery life thanks to reduced display power consumption - currently the most energy-hungry component in smartphones.

Camera Control button may be removed

First introduced on the iPhone 16, the physical Camera Control button may not make it to future models. Reports suggest actual user engagement is low, making the feature too costly for Apple to justify.

As Apple tends to phase out underused features, this could be another example of that principle in action.

Refined back panel design

Apple is reportedly refining the back design by better matching the color of the aluminum frame with the rear glass panel.

On the iPhone 17 Pro, the wireless charging-compatible glass often appears slightly off-color compared to the metal frame. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could offer a more seamless aesthetic.

Earlier rumors hinted at a semi-transparent back, but Apple may opt instead for subtle elegance over dramatic transparency.

Thicker and heavier body

Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max might be the heaviest iPhone ever - potentially surpassing the 240g mark, heavier than both the 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max.

The larger battery is the most likely cause. Higher capacity generally means increased weight and sometimes thickness, and Apple seems willing to make that trade-off.

Apple-built 5G modem for faster, more efficient connections

A major internal shift lies in the modem. According to MacRumors, Apple is developing its own C2 modem to fully replace Qualcomm's.

This would follow the C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e. If Apple stays on track, the iPhone 18 series may be the first to use entirely in-house 5G modems, offering stronger mmWave performance, lower power consumption, and improved overall data connectivity.

Punch-hole selfie camera and under-display Face ID

The front design may also undergo a dramatic change. Multiple reputable sources suggest Apple plans to replace Dynamic Island with a small punch-hole selfie camera placed in the top left corner.

Face ID components like the dot projector and infrared illuminator are being developed to sit beneath the screen. Dynamic Island might be eliminated entirely or turn into a software-based feature that appears only when needed.

New 2TB storage option

Professional users could soon enjoy much more storage. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to start at 256GB and go up to a massive 2TB.

As users increasingly record high-resolution images, 4K/8K videos, ProRes RAW footage, or run heavy AI applications, having more built-in storage is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity.

Taken together, these rumored upgrades paint the iPhone 18 Pro Max as a breakthrough beyond Apple’s usual incremental updates. From a next-gen LTPO+ display and larger battery to Apple’s own 5G modem, reimagined camera systems, and a redesigned front face, the 2026 flagship may represent one of the most significant iPhone overhauls in years.

Hai Phong