According to trusted leaks, Apple is preparing for a new era - the era of foldable iPhones. And when that shift arrives, the word “Max” may no longer represent the pinnacle of screen size.

Traditionally, “Max” implied the ultimate, the peak - nothing bigger. But Apple has redefined this notion before. With the M1 chip lineup, the M1 Ultra outpaced the M1 Max. Now, it seems history is set to repeat itself with iPhones.

The foldable iPhone: a new contender for the screen-size crown

In 2026, Apple is expected to launch not only the iPhone 18 Pro Max but also a completely new device - rumored to be called iPhone Fold or possibly iPhone Ultra.

The iPhone Fold will be Apple’s first foldable phone, marking a significant design shift. Leaks suggest it will feature a 5.5-inch outer screen - small by today’s standards - but when unfolded, its 7.8-inch internal display will be the largest in iPhone history.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to retain its current 6.9-inch size, as Apple already increased the screen dimensions last year and rarely makes back-to-back size changes across consecutive generations.

To compare: the iPhone 18 Pro Max will remain at 6.9 inches, while the unfolded iPhone Fold will boast a 7.8-inch display. Clearly, the age of “Max equals the largest” is approaching its end.

Redefining 'Max': Apple ushers in a new product philosophy

The emergence of the iPhone Fold signifies a major evolution in Apple’s product thinking. Until now, “Max” represented the most premium, powerful, and largest iPhone.

But once the Fold arrives, “Max” might simply become the high-end traditional choice, while Fold represents the future and innovation - similar to how Apple positioned the M1 Ultra above the M1 Max.

If that’s the case, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the last chapter of the era where “Max” meant “the biggest,” before Apple fully transitions to a new chapter of flexibility and innovation with the Fold.

Will Pro Max users switch to Fold?

For the first time in iPhone history, another model may have a bigger display than the Pro Max. This raises an intriguing question: Will lovers of large screens make the jump to the iPhone Fold?

For early adopters and tech enthusiasts, the answer could be yes. They are always on the lookout for new experiences - and the iPhone Fold promises to feel like a two-in-one device: part iPhone, part mini iPad.

However, for the majority of traditional users, the Pro Max is still the safer bet. Foldable designs are still new, and a rumored price tag exceeding $2,000 will be a major barrier.

Apple’s reputation for stability and its optimized ecosystem also means many users may choose to wait for the second or third generation of Fold, when the technology matures further.

If you're someone who values large screens, powerful performance, long battery life, and exceptional stability, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may be the last true "Max" to embody all those traits.

Starting in 2026, Apple seems poised to split the iPhone line into two distinct paths: “Max” for peak performance and reliability, and “Fold” for cutting-edge innovation.

The real question for users is: will you choose refined tradition or a bold leap into the future? Either way, Apple is ready to rewrite the definition of “Max” - and launch a brand new era for the iPhone.

Hai Phong