iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5 biggest rumored upgrades

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Apple to debut iPhone 18 Pro and foldable device September 9

   Apple will showcase the iPhone 18 Pro series and its first foldable phone at the Surprise and Shine event on September 9. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature a variable aperture camera to address long-standing lighting and focus issues. While the Pro models will maintain the same screen sizes as the previous generation, they may receive two other display upgrades. Apple is utilizing a split-launch strategy, delaying the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 until spring 2027.

   Why it matters

   This event marks the first major product wave under CEO John Ternus. The shift to a staggered release schedule separates high-end Pro hardware from entry-level and mid-range models. This strategy may influence consumer upgrade cycles and pricing structures for the 2026-2027 period.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple will hold a product event on September 9 featuring the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 launches are delayed until spring 2027.

   What to watch next

   • Official specifications from the September 9 event
   • Pricing announcements for the Pro Max and foldable models
   • Confirmation of the spring 2027 launch date for standard models
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. 9to5mac.com — iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Two new display upgrades coming next week
   2. www.cultofmac.com — Baseus unveils juicy Dark Cherry charging lineup for iPhone 18
   3. www.macworld.com — Your wallet can sit out next week’s Apple event
   4. 9to5mac.com — Will the iPhone 18 Pro’s biggest upgrade really deliver?
   5. www.smartprix.com — The iPhone 18 Pro Max’s Rumoured Camera Upgrade Could Fix Apple’s Biggest Photo Problem
   6. zeerawireless.com — iPhone 18 Pro Max Variable Aperture Camera: What It Is and Why It Matters
   7. macdailynews.com — Apple’s Ternus era begins September 9th with foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro and a bigger product wave
   8. tech.yahoo.com — Apple iPhone launch event: What to expect on September 9th including a foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and more
   confidence 80%
2. 18h ago

   iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumors Focus on Camera and Memory Upgrades

   Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro Max and a new foldable device before November. Rumors suggest the Pro Max will feature a variable aperture camera, increased RAM, and better battery life compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. These updates may come with higher prices. Apple is reportedly adopting a split-launch strategy, debuting Pro models this fall while delaying the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 until spring 2027.

   Why it matters

   The iPhone 18 series follows the iPhone 17 Pro Max as Apple's flagship hardware. This cycle introduces a potential shift in release timing for different model tiers. A foldable handset would mark the first time Apple entered the collapsible screen market.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a variable aperture camera.
   • The device will include more RAM and improved battery life.
   • Prices for the new lineup will increase.
   • Apple will launch the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027.
   • A new foldable iPhone will be unveiled alongside the Pro models.

   What to watch next

   • The official Apple launch event on September 9
   • Confirmation of the split-launch release dates
   • Official pricing for the Pro Max model
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.cnet.com — iPhone 18: Everything We Know About Apple’s Next Handsets
   2. www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro Rumor Reality Check: 20 Claims Ranked by Likelihood
   3. mashable.com — The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, new colors
   4. macdailynews.com — Apple may be prepping an M5 Ultra MacBook Pro powerhouse
   confidence 60%
3. 2d ago

   iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5 upgrades rumored

   Apple's iPhone 18 launch event is scheduled for September 9, with pre-orders expected soon. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to have several upgrades over the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including a new A20 Pro chip and variable aperture cameras. Specific details are still based on rumors, with some reports suggesting a potential delay in pre-orders. The new lineup's release arrives amid speculation about a foldable iPhone and an iPhone Ultra model.

   Why it matters

   The iPhone 18 launch marks the first major event under new CEO Ternus. Apple's premium iPhone offerings are expected to be a key focus, with consumers weighing the benefits of upgrading from previous models. The company's product strategy and hardware upgrades will be closely watched by tech enthusiasts and industry analysts.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple will launch its next iPhone on September 9.
   • The iPhone 18 launch marks the first major event under new CEO Ternus.

   Still unconfirmed

   • iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a new A20 Pro chip
   • iPhone 18 Pro Max will have variable aperture cameras
   • Pre-orders for the new lineup may start later than in previous years
   • A foldable iPhone and an iPhone Ultra model are being speculated about

   What to watch next

   • The official iPhone 18 Pro Max specifications and features
   • The start date for pre-orders and the release date for the new lineup
   • Confirmation or denial of rumors about a foldable iPhone and an iPhone Ultra model
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. gulfnews.com — iPhone 18 launch is days away: iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max or Fold — which one actually makes sense for you?
   2. www.idropnews.com — The iPhone 18 Pro Is Almost Here: 5 Big Upgrades to Expect
   3. 9to5mac.com — iPhone 18 Pro: Three reasons you might want to upgrade from iPhone 17 Pro
   4. www.analyticsinsight.net — Tech Spotlight: iPhone 18, Xiaomi 18 Among Big September Launches
   confidence 60%
4. 4d ago

   Apple schedules iPhone 18 launch event for September 9

   Apple will launch its next iPhone on September 9, marking the first major event under new CEO Ternus. While the company has confirmed the keynote and full schedule, specific hardware upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro Max compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max remain based on rumors. Pre-orders for the new lineup are expected soon, though some reports suggest they may start later than in previous years. The event arrives amid speculation regarding a foldable iPhone and a potential iPhone Ultra model.

   Why it matters

   The transition to CEO Ternus introduces a new leadership era for Apple's hardware cycle. This launch is critical for maintaining market momentum against competitors and testing new form factors. The shift in pre-order timing could indicate supply chain adjustments or a change in release strategy.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple will launch the next iPhone on September 9.
   • The September 9 event is the first major event under new CEO Ternus.

   Still unconfirmed

   • iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders might start later than usual this year.
   • Apple is developing a foldable iPhone.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro will have four advantages over an iPhone Ultra model.

   What to watch next

   • Official specification reveal during the September 9 keynote
   • Confirmation of pre-order start dates
   • Announcement of a foldable iPhone model
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Bloomberg.com — Apple’s Foldable iPhone Will Help Bring Some Magic Back
   2. CNET — iPhone 18 Preorders Are Coming. Here’s Everything We Know and a Few Predictions
   3. Reuters — Apple to launch next iPhone on September 9 in first major event under new CEO Ternus
   4. Forbes — iPhone 18 Pro Launch: Apple Confirms Keynote And Full Schedule Here
   5. 9to5Mac — Four advantages iPhone 18 Pro will have over the iPhone Ultra
   6. Macworld — iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders might start later than usual this year
   7. Tom's Guide — iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5 biggest rumored upgrades
   confidence 80%