The iPhone 17 series has settled into the market, but the tech world never sleeps. Fresh leaks and rumors for the iPhone 18 Pro Max have already started surfacing, and they point to some of the biggest changes we have seen in years. If you thought the recent upgrades were minor, the 2026 lineup might change your mind.
Reports from reliable tipsters suggest Apple is planning a major performance leap with a new 2nm chip, a "DSLR-like" camera feature, and potentially a completely new look for the front display. Here is everything we know so far about the upcoming flagship.
A Cleaner Display and New Design
For the last few years, the "Dynamic Island" has been the face of the iPhone. However, rumors for the iPhone 18 Pro Max suggest Apple might finally shrink it or remove it entirely. Some leaks claim Apple is testing Under-Display Face ID technology. This would mean the sensors are hidden under the screen, leaving just a small circular cutout for the selfie camera. This would give the 6.9-inch OLED display a much cleaner and immersive look.
While the screen size is expected to stay at 6.9 inches (same as the 17 Pro Max), the phone might feel slightly different in hand. Reports indicate it could be a bit thicker and heavier, possibly crossing the 240-gram mark, to fit a bigger battery.
The Power of the A20 Chip
The biggest highlight of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be its brain. Apple is reportedly working with TSMC to produce the A20 Pro chip using a cutting-edge 2nm process.
Why does this matter? A smaller nanometer (nm) process allows for more transistors on a chip. Early estimates say this could make the phone 15% faster and 30% more power-efficient than previous models. This efficiency is crucial for running advanced AI features without draining the battery. There is also chatter about Apple integrating 12GB of RAM directly onto the chip module, which would make data transfer incredibly fast.
Camera Revolution: Variable Aperture
Apple dominates video quality, but the iPhone 18 Pro Max might take photography to a new level. Leaks suggest the main 48MP camera will feature a Variable Aperture.
Currently, smartphone cameras have a fixed opening (aperture) for light. A variable aperture allows the lens to physically open and close, just like a professional DSLR camera. This gives you natural control over background blur (bokeh) and improves sharpness in different lighting conditions without relying solely on software tricks. We also expect a 48MP Ultra-Wide and a 48MP Periscope Telephoto lens to complete the triple-camera setup.
Massive Battery and Connectivity
Battery life is often a top priority for Indian users, and good news is coming. To support the powerful new chip and bright display, Apple is rumored to pack a massive 5,100 mAh battery into the Pro Max model.
Additionally, Apple might finally switch to its own in-house Wi-Fi and 5G chips (dubbed the C2 modem). This would reduce their reliance on other suppliers and could lead to better signal stability and battery management.
Read More: iPhone 18
Expected Price in India and Launch Date
Apple traditionally launches its new iPhones in September. We expect the iPhone 18 Pro Max to be unveiled in September 2026.
As for the pocket pinch, advanced tech like the 2nm chip and variable aperture camera is expensive to make. While the official pricing is months away, analysts predict a price hike. In India, the base model (likely 256GB) could start around ₹1,69,990, with higher storage variants easily crossing ₹2,00,000.
