Even if Apple introduces its first foldable iPhone in September 2026 - reportedly under the name iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra - industry sources suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will remain the company's most important premium smartphone.

Recent leaks indicate the device will deliver significant hardware upgrades while focusing on practical improvements such as battery life, camera performance, thermal management, and on-device artificial intelligence. Those advantages could help it outperform the initial excitement surrounding Apple's first foldable handset.

For years, the Pro Max lineup has showcased Apple's most advanced iPhone technologies. If current reports are accurate, that tradition will continue in 2026, even as Apple enters the foldable smartphone market.

iPhone 18 Pro Max expected to headline Apple's September event

According to several industry analysts, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to split its iPhone launch strategy into two phases.

The September 2026 event is reportedly set to focus exclusively on premium devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to debut in early 2027.

That would position Apple's September keynote as a direct showdown between its two flagship products: the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the rumored iPhone Ultra.

The event is also expected to mark the beginning of a new era for Apple, with reports suggesting John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO on September 1, 2026.

Consumers hoping for a dramatic redesign of the iPhone 18 Pro Max may be disappointed. Leaks indicate Apple will retain its signature flat-edge design and triple-camera layout, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

However, reports suggest the company will refine the design rather than simply repeat it.

The rear panel is expected to feature a more seamless glass finish, eliminating the two-tone appearance seen on previous models and creating a cleaner, more premium look.

Supply chain information also suggests the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be noticeably thicker and heavier, weighing approximately 240 grams.

The additional weight is reportedly intended to accommodate a larger battery and a next-generation vapor chamber cooling system designed to sustain peak performance during demanding workloads.

The device is also rumored to introduce a new Dark Cherry color alongside more traditional finishes such as Light Blue, Silver, and Dark Grey.

On the front, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to retain its 6.9-inch OLED display.

One of the more notable changes could involve Dynamic Island. According to multiple reports, Apple has moved some Face ID components beneath the display, allowing for a significantly smaller cutout.

The display is also expected to adopt a new-generation LTPO+ OLED panel offering improved power efficiency without sacrificing image quality.

Performance, battery and camera upgrades

Perhaps the most significant hardware improvement is expected to come from Apple's new A20 Pro processor.

The chip is widely rumored to be manufactured using TSMC's 2-nanometer process, marking the first time Apple has introduced 2nm technology in an iPhone. The smaller process is expected to deliver both higher performance and greater energy efficiency.

That combination could enable smoother performance in demanding mobile games while significantly improving on-device AI processing, particularly alongside iOS 27.

Battery life is another area expected to receive a substantial upgrade.

Multiple reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a battery with a capacity ranging from 5,391mAh to 5,567mAh, likely marketed as approximately 5,500mAh.

Combined with the efficiency gains from the A20 Pro processor and the LTPO+ display, the device could offer the longest battery life of any iPhone to date.

This may also provide an important advantage over the foldable iPhone, as foldable smartphones typically face tighter space constraints for battery capacity.

Apple is also rumored to be preparing one of its most significant camera upgrades in years.

The main camera could feature a variable-aperture lens, allowing greater flexibility in different lighting conditions.

Additional upgrades are expected to include a brighter telephoto lens, a stacked image sensor for faster image processing, and a new 24-megapixel front-facing camera.

Connectivity is also likely to improve through Apple's in-house C2 modem.

The modem is expected to deliver faster 5G speeds, lower power consumption, and improved signal stability.

Reports also suggest Apple may expand satellite connectivity well beyond today's Emergency SOS functionality, allowing users to remain connected even in areas without cellular coverage.

As for pricing, several reports indicate Apple could raise global prices for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, particularly on higher-capacity storage models, with increases potentially reaching around US$200.

Can the iPhone Ultra replace the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

There is little doubt that Apple's first foldable iPhone would attract enormous attention simply because it represents the company's entry into an entirely new product category.

However, smartphone industry history suggests that first-generation foldable devices often involve compromises in durability, display creases, hinge mechanisms, thermal performance, and battery life.

Even companies such as Samsung and Motorola required several product generations to refine foldable technology.

For that reason, while the rumored iPhone Ultra could become Apple's most visually striking and innovative smartphone, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is still widely expected to remain the company's uncompromising flagship, emphasizing reliability, sustained performance, and long-term usability.

Technology enthusiasts will undoubtedly be drawn to the novelty of Apple's first foldable iPhone. For many premium smartphone buyers seeking the most powerful, dependable, and well-rounded device in Apple's lineup, however, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may continue to be the safest and most compelling choice in 2026.

Hai Phong