A newly released hands-on video featuring dummy units of the iPhone 18 Pro Max discloses notable modifications.
The Dynamic Island appears 25% smaller, and the camera module adopts a thicker profile with larger lenses, suggesting the anticipated introduction of a variable aperture for its main 48MP camera.
Although the iPhone 18 Pro Max seems somewhat lackluster compared to the upcoming iPhone Ultra/Fold, it may represent the most significant frontal enhancement for Apple’s Pro iPhone lineup since the iPhone 14 Pro.
The inaugural detailed hands-on video showcasing the dummy units of the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max has been unveiled. While the design retains much of its predecessor’s aesthetics, it appears Apple is placing substantial emphasis on “pro” camera capabilities for this year’s elite iPhones.
The pivotal alteration? In line with earlier speculation, Apple is progressing towards a successor to the Dynamic Island—albeit a smaller iteration.
The cutout accommodating the camera and Face ID sensors is reportedly diminishing by approximately 25%, now measuring 14.98 mm wide in comparison to the previous 20.06 mm.
The new iPhone 18 Pro Max is marginally thicker, potentially to incorporate a more substantial battery; the decreased sensor footprint on the display marks the most conspicuous upgrade for Apple’s 2026 flagship since the iPhone 14 Pro. iPhone 18 Pro Max exhibits a distinctively smaller Dynamic Island cutout.
iPhone 18 Pro Max design units showcase a shrunk Dynamic Island; a thicker body alludes to a variable aperture camera and augmented battery life
Moreover, another tangible alteration appears in the camera platform. Individual camera lenses are now 3% thicker, jutting nearly a millimeter further than prior models.
Their diameter has seemingly expanded from 16.15 mm to 16.5 mm, compressing the vacant space between sensors.
This adjustment could signal the much-anticipated arrival of a variable aperture feature for the iPhone 18 Pro, which may necessitate the additional space.
Beyond this, the hands-on review reveals that the solid aluminum chassis of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is slightly taller and broader than its antecedent, the 17 Pro Max.
However, the increase is slight enough that existing cases may remain compatible, contingent on the accuracy of the dummy models.
Apple’s elite iPhone 18 Pro models appear unremarkable next to the foldable iPhone Ultra
It is worth noting that these iPhone Ultra/Fold design units have been deemed accurate by the reviewer, given that their April 2025 preview of the iPhone 17 series—with the same source’s dummy units—was astonishingly precise.
Indeed, those initial models mirrored nearly flawlessly the final hardware that Apple unveiled in September 2025. As always, however, with any unofficial leaks, a prudent skepticism should be exercised.
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are anticipated to make their debut this autumn, alongside the foldable iPhone Ultra, which may render Apple’s premium devices appear rather mundane in comparison.
In the meantime, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e are expected to launch in the spring of 2027.
Source link: Notebookcheck.net.
