iPhone 18 Pro Max Review: A Flagship in the Shadow of the Foldable

Key points

• The iPhone 18 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display, A20 Pro chip, and a new variable aperture main camera with settings from f/1.48 to f/4.
• Battery life is rated for up to 45 hours of video playback, with fast charging reaching 50% in 15 minutes via a 60W charger.
• The device costs $1299, a $100 increase over the previous generation, and includes iOS 27 with new Siri AI features.
• The iPhone Duo, a foldable device priced at $1,999, is expected to launch weeks after the Pro Max, potentially overshadowing it as the top-tier model.
• Early user reports highlight performance improvements but note that the variable aperture offers limited practical benefits for casual users.

Background

Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro lineup on September 9, 2026, replacing the iPhone 17 Pro family. The new models feature the A20 Pro chip and a redesigned vapor chamber for better thermal management. The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, while the smaller iPhone 18 Pro begins at $1,199. Apple also announced the foldable iPhone Duo at $1,999, marking a significant shift in the company's premium strategy.

How outlets are covering it

AppleInsider praises the iPhone 18 Pro Max as the best non-folding iPhone ever, highlighting its display, battery life, and camera improvements, but acknowledges the looming presence of the iPhone Duo. Consumer Reports calls the phones 'predictably excellent' but advises against rushing to upgrade, noting the $100 price increase and subtle changes. MacRumors reports mixed user feedback, with some praising the A20 Pro's performance while others find the variable aperture underwhelming. Some users have reported issues with heat, speakers, and Face ID, which Apple addressed in an iOS 27.0.1 update.

Why it matters

The iPhone 18 Pro Max represents a peak in traditional smartphone design, but its release coincides with Apple's first foldable device, creating a unique market dynamic. Consumers must decide between the Pro Max's superior cameras and battery life or the iPhone Duo's form factor. The variable aperture and A20 Pro chip set new benchmarks for performance, but the incremental nature of the upgrades may deter buyers from upgrading from recent models.

What to watch

The iPhone Duo is expected to launch in October 2026, potentially shifting focus away from the Pro Max. Apple may release the standard iPhone 18 and budget iPhone 18e in the spring. Performance comparisons between the C2 and Qualcomm modems in the US Pro Max will likely emerge as real-world tests are conducted.