According to recently surfaced information, the device will feature a larger camera module, with both the housing and individual lenses protruding further than on its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The data comes from YouTuber Vadir Yuryev of the Max Tech channel, who based his claims on early dummy units of the unreleased product.

Camera upgrades come at the cost of thickness

The reported dimensions indicate a visible increase when factoring in the camera bump. The total thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including its camera module, stands at 12.92mm, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is said to reach 13.77mm.

Even the camera base itself - often referred to as the “plateau” - grows from 11.23mm to 11.54mm. By comparison, Apple’s official specification for the body thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, excluding the camera module, is 8.75mm.

This suggests that the added bulk is almost entirely driven by camera enhancements, which could include larger sensors or improved zoom and image processing capabilities. In practical terms, however, the difference may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye.

The move reflects a broader strategic adjustment. With the introduction of ultra-thin models such as the iPhone Air, Apple appears to be creating more room for its Pro lineup to prioritize performance over form factor.

Rather than competing solely on slimness, the Pro series is increasingly positioned for users who demand advanced imaging and high-end capabilities. This signals a clearer segmentation within Apple’s ecosystem - one line focused on sleek design, the other on maximum performance.

iPhone Ultra and the foldable future

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Yuryev also shared early glimpses of a new device tentatively referred to as the iPhone Ultra - widely believed to be Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Prototype models show the device placed next to an iPad mini, suggesting that when unfolded, it could offer a display experience close to that of a small tablet.

Rumors indicate the foldable iPhone may support running two iPhone apps simultaneously, taking advantage of the expanded screen. While this is already common among competing foldable devices, Apple is expected to bring deeper software optimization if it enters the segment.

Although earlier reports hinted that the foldable model might arrive later than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the latest information suggests there are no major delays affecting its development timeline.

Taken together, the leaks surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Ultra point to a pivotal transition for Apple. The company is not only refining hardware performance but also exploring new form factors and sharper product differentiation.

If these developments materialize, Apple’s iPhone lineup could soon become more diverse than ever - spanning ultra-thin devices, performance-driven flagships, and hybrid designs that bridge smartphones and tablets.

Hai Phong