A hands-on video showcasing dummy units of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max has surfaced, revealing notable design changes. The Dynamic Island is now 25% smaller, and the camera array is thicker with larger lenses, possibly hinting at a rumored variable aperture for the main 48MP camera. While the iPhone 18 Pro Max may seem less exciting compared to the foldable iPhone Ultra, it could feature the most significant front-facing upgrade for Apple’s Pro lineup since the iPhone 14 Pro.
Smaller Dynamic Island and Thicker Camera Array
The first detailed hands-on video of the iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy units confirms that Apple is sticking to a familiar design, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, the focus this year appears to be on enhancing “pro” camera hardware.
The standout change? Apple is reportedly shrinking the Dynamic Island by 25%. The cutout for the camera and Face ID sensors now measures 14.98 mm wide, down from 20.06 mm. This marks a visible upgrade to the display, making it the most noticeable front-facing improvement since the iPhone 14 Pro.
Additionally, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is slightly thicker, likely to accommodate a larger battery. The camera plateau has also undergone changes, with individual lenses now 3% thicker and protruding nearly a millimeter further. The lens diameter has increased from 16.15 mm to 16.5 mm, reducing the space between sensors. These adjustments could support the rumored variable aperture feature, which may require extra room for advanced optics.
Subtle Size Changes and Compatibility
The dummy units also reveal that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is slightly taller and wider than its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, the size difference is minimal, meaning existing cases might still fit—assuming the dummy models are accurate.
iPhone Ultra/Fold Steals the Spotlight
While the iPhone 18 Pro Max introduces incremental upgrades, it may struggle to stand out next to Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra. The hands-on reviewer notes that the dummy units for the Ultra/Fold are likely accurate, as the same source provided highly reliable previews of the iPhone 17 lineup in April 2025. Those early models closely matched the final hardware released later that year.
Still, as with any unconfirmed leaks, it’s wise to approach these details with caution.
Launch Timeline
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut this fall, alongside the foldable iPhone Ultra. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e are slated for a spring 2027 release.
