According to technology leaker Ice Universe on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the next-generation flagship will measure exactly 8.75mm thick - identical to its predecessor.

If accurate, the report suggests Apple will continue following a design philosophy it has embraced for years: improving internal hardware and performance rather than making dramatic changes to the device's exterior.

That would also mean consumers should not expect a major redesign for Apple's traditional iPhone lineup this year.

However, industry observers caution that the rumor should be treated carefully. Back in March, Ice Universe had claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be significantly thicker due to hardware changes.

The device was even rumored to have the potential to become the heaviest iPhone ever released.

The appearance of two conflicting reports from the same source leaves questions about the accuracy of the predictions. Even so, the broader trend among recent reports suggests Apple is more likely to pursue evolutionary rather than revolutionary upgrades with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Apple reportedly focusing resources on a foldable iPhone Ultra

According to Ice Universe, one reason the iPhone 18 Pro Max may see limited design changes is that Apple is dedicating a significant portion of its research and development resources to its first foldable iPhone, commonly referred to by industry watchers as the iPhone Ultra.

Over the past several months, the device has dominated technology discussions worldwide.

Numerous prototype details, renderings and specifications have reportedly leaked, generating considerably more attention than the conventional iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

If current reports prove accurate, the iPhone Ultra will feature a liquid-metal hinge designed to improve durability and reduce long-term wear. The device is expected to launch in black and white color options.

More notably, several industry sources claim Apple has made significant progress in reducing the display crease that typically affects foldable devices.

The handset could feature a flexible display with an almost invisible crease when unfolded, along with a self-healing coating designed to minimize minor scratches.

Plenty of upgrades still expected for iPhone 18 Pro Max

Although the design may remain largely unchanged, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is still expected to receive a number of significant hardware improvements.

One of the biggest anticipated upgrades is Apple's A20 Pro processor, reportedly manufactured using a next-generation 2-nanometer process. The chip is expected to deliver improved performance while reducing power consumption compared with previous generations.

A new LTPO+ display is also rumored, offering better energy efficiency and improved image quality.

Apple may additionally introduce a variable-aperture main camera for the first time, allowing the device to automatically adjust the amount of light entering the sensor based on environmental conditions.

In terms of colors, a dark cherry finish is rumored to become the signature color of the Pro lineup this year, while blue may also return to the product range.

Battery life remains another key area of interest. Leaker Digital Chat Station claims the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a battery capacity between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh, slightly larger than the 5,088mAh battery found in the eSIM version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The larger battery, combined with the efficiency gains of a 2nm processor, could significantly improve usage times, particularly for increasingly demanding AI-powered tasks.

Beyond traditional hardware upgrades, Apple is also expected to continue expanding its artificial intelligence strategy on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The device is rumored to ship with iOS 27 and a substantially enhanced version of Siri, alongside a more mature Apple Intelligence ecosystem.

A new feature known as "Extensions" is reportedly under development to improve interactions between AI tools and third-party applications.

For connectivity, Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation in-house C2 modem. In addition to improving network performance and power efficiency, the modem is rumored to include enhanced privacy protections.

The Dynamic Island may become even smaller, maximizing screen space, while charging speeds could increase to around 40W, significantly reducing charging times.

Storage options are also expected to expand, with reports suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro Max could offer up to 2TB of onboard storage to accommodate high-resolution video recording and on-device AI processing.

Can the iPhone 18 Pro Max remain attractive alongside the iPhone Ultra?

Based on current reports, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to retain a starting price of around $1,199, similar to its predecessor. The foldable iPhone Ultra, meanwhile, is rumored to cost close to $2,000.

The nearly $800 price gap between the two devices is substantial. In practice, the difference is almost enough to purchase an additional standard iPhone.

As a result, even if the iPhone Ultra becomes Apple's headline-grabbing launch, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may still maintain strong sales thanks to its balance of performance, features and pricing.

Hai Phong