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Rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max Thicker and Heavier Than Predecessor

WireByte Staff · July 9, 2026

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max may be noticeably thicker and heavier than its predecessor, with a rumored 9mm thickness and 240g weight, due to a larger battery and potential new vapor chamber design.

Key points

  • Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max may measure around 9mm thick and weigh approximately 240 grams, according to Chinese leaker Ice Universe.
  • The device is expected to feature a 5,391mAh battery in China and a 5,567mAh battery in the U.S., an increase of nearly 500mAh over the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
  • The added thickness and weight may be a result of the larger battery and a new vapor chamber design using stainless steel.
  • This would make the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially the heaviest iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 240g weight.
  • Apple has previously used titanium and aluminum in its flagship models, but the iPhone 17 Pro models used less-dense aluminum and slightly thicker designs.

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max has been the subject of various rumors and leaks in recent weeks. According to Chinese leaker Ice Universe, the device may be noticeably thicker and heavier than its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The rumored dimensions of the iPhone 18 Pro Max are 9mm thick and 240 grams, which would make it potentially the heaviest iPhone ever.

The added thickness and weight are likely due to the larger battery and a new vapor chamber design using stainless steel. Apple's regulatory filings have indicated that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a 5,391mAh battery in China and a 5,567mAh battery in the U.S., an increase of nearly 500mAh over the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

This development is significant as it suggests a trade-off between battery life and device size. Apple has previously used titanium and aluminum in its flagship models, but the iPhone 17 Pro models used less-dense aluminum and slightly thicker designs. The use of stainless steel in the vapor chamber design may contribute to the added weight and thickness of the device.

It remains to be seen whether these rumors are accurate and how they will impact the iPhone 18 Pro Max's overall design and user experience. As with any new device, Apple will likely make adjustments and optimizations to ensure that the iPhone 18 Pro Max meets the needs of its users.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.