A new leak suggests Apple may keep the iPhone 18 Pro Max the same thickness as its predecessor while focusing on battery upgrades and its first foldable iPhone.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to retain the same 8.75mm thickness as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The latest leak contradicts earlier claims that the device would become slightly thicker and heavier.
- Apple is reportedly dedicating significant resources to its first foldable iPhone, often referred to as the iPhone Ultra.
- A larger battery, new camera features, and other hardware upgrades are still expected for the 2026 flagship.
What Happened?
A fresh leak from well known tipster Ice Universe claims that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will measure 8.75mm thick, matching the rumored thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The report challenges earlier predictions that Apple would continue the recent trend of making its premium smartphones thicker in pursuit of larger batteries and improved performance.
The leak also suggests Apple has been concentrating much of its engineering effort on its first foldable iPhone, which could launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026.
iPhone 18 Pro Max could keep the same thickness as the 17 Pro Max
— AppleDrop (@TheAppleDrop) June 4, 2026
According to a new leak, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to measure 8.75mm thick, matching the current generation
The report suggests Apple has made only minor changes to the Pro lineup this year, as much of… pic.twitter.com/ooP90r0lwF
iPhone 18 Pro Max May Keep the Same Profile
Rumors surrounding Apple’s 2026 flagship have gone back and forth in recent months. Earlier reports suggested the iPhone 18 Pro Max would become slightly thicker than its predecessor, with some predictions putting the device at 8.8mm.
However, Ice Universe now claims Apple will stick with an 8.75mm chassis, effectively leaving the phone’s overall thickness unchanged from the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
If the latest information proves accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would still remain thicker than the current iPhone 16 Pro Max, which measures 8.25mm. While some users prefer thinner smartphones, Apple appears more focused on improving internal hardware rather than reducing the physical size of its top tier model.
Earlier Reports Pointed to a Heavier Device
The latest leak also contradicts previous information shared by another tipster, Instant Digital.
Last year, the source claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could become both thicker and heavier, potentially weighing more than 240 grams. If that prediction turns out to be correct, the upcoming flagship could become one of the heaviest iPhones Apple has ever released.
So far, the latest leak only addresses the device’s thickness and does not provide any updated details about its weight. As a result, it remains possible that Apple could increase battery capacity or introduce new components that add weight without changing the overall dimensions of the phone.
Apple Reportedly Prioritizing Its Foldable iPhone
One of the more interesting claims from the leak involves Apple’s long rumored foldable smartphone.
According to Ice Universe, Apple has spent much of this year focusing its attention and energy on the development of a foldable iPhone, often referred to in leaks as the iPhone Ultra. Some reports have also called the device the iPhone Fold.
The foldable model is expected to represent Apple’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market, making it one of the company’s most significant product launches in years. Industry watchers believe the project could explain why Apple has not made major design changes to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Bigger Battery and More Upgrades Expected
Even if the iPhone 18 Pro Max keeps the same thickness, reports indicate it could still receive a notable battery upgrade.
Current rumors suggest the device may feature a battery capacity between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh, compared to the 5,088mAh battery reportedly used in the eSIM version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Maintaining the same thickness while increasing battery capacity would likely require Apple to redesign internal components and use available space more efficiently.
Other rumored upgrades include:
- A smaller Dynamic Island
- Apple’s next generation C2 modem
- A revised Camera Control system
- An upgraded main camera with variable aperture support
- A 6.9 inch display similar to the current model
Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026, potentially alongside its first foldable iPhone.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I think this leak highlights where Apple’s priorities are heading. Instead of chasing an ultra thin design, the company appears more interested in improving battery life, camera performance, and preparing its first foldable iPhone for launch. For most users, an extra hour or two of battery life will matter far more than shaving off a fraction of a millimeter from the phone’s thickness. If these rumors are accurate, Apple is focusing on practical upgrades rather than cosmetic changes, and that could be the right move.
