The iPhone 18 Pro Max, the larger counterpart to the standard iPhone 18 Pro, features its most significant battery enhancement yet, enabling it to function effectively as a two-day phone. It incorporates new Siri AI capabilities and a variable aperture camera, although it no longer holds the title of Apple's most expensive phone due to the £2,000 iPhone Duo. The iPhone 18 Pro Max maintains a high price point, starting at £1,299 (€1,599/$1,299/A$2,299).
Following the formula of its predecessors, the iPhone 18 Pro Max builds upon the 18 Pro's strengths by increasing the screen size and battery capacity. This results in a top-tier camera, exceptional performance, and extensive software support. However, its size presents challenges, such as difficulty in one-handed operation and a cumbersome fit in pockets. Weighing 249g, it is notably heavier than its competitors, including folding phones, causing discomfort after prolonged use.
The device features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, praised for its brightness, crispness, and effective anti-glare coating, making it ideal for media consumption. The screen also includes the new, smaller camera cutout and a larger dynamic island, similar to the 18 Pro.
Specifications:
- Screen: 6.9in Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED, 460ppi)
- Processor: Apple A20 Pro
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Operating System: iOS 27
- Camera: 48MP + 48MP UW + 48MP 4x, 18MP front-facing
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, Thread, USB-C, Satellite, UWB, GNSS
- Water Resistance: IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes)
- Dimensions: 163.4 x 78 x 8.75mm
- Weight: 249g
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is equipped with the A20 Pro chip, renowned for its speed, and a redesigned cooling system to sustain performance during extended gaming. Its battery life is exceptional, offering nearly three days of light usage, approximately four hours more than its predecessor. Even with intensive use, it retains around 50% battery at day's end, allowing most users to charge every second or third day.
Running iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro Max benefits from improved app launches and system refinements. The new Siri AI offers enhanced understanding and task execution, though it primarily interacts with Apple's messaging and email apps. The phone emphasizes sustainability, with a battery life exceeding 1,000 full-charge cycles and over 40% recycled materials. Apple provides trade-in and recycling options, including for non-Apple products.
The camera system matches that of the 18 Pro, featuring a 48MP triple rear setup and an 18MP front-facing camera. The Pro Max introduces a variable aperture on the main camera, enhancing low-light performance and creative photography. Additional features include AI-powered focus tracking, customizable Photographic Styles, digital negative capabilities, and automatic cinematic mode.
At a starting price of £1,299, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is positioned as Apple's most premium slab phone for 2026. While it excels in screen quality, battery life, and camera performance, its high cost, weight, and size present drawbacks. The device offers incremental improvements over the previous model, with a standout screen and dynamic island enhancements. The A20 Pro chip delivers top performance, and the variable aperture adds creative potential, though its impact on image quality is modest.
Pros: Exceptional 6.9-inch screen, improved dynamic island, long battery life, advanced cameras with variable aperture, USB-C, excellent performance, extended software support, Face ID, enhanced AI.
Cons: High price, heavy, challenging one-handed use, modest upgrade from last year, AI tools still behind top competitors.
Read next
Microsoft President Warns: AI Needs More Regulation Than Milk for Safety
Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently less regulated compared to everyday items like milk and washing machines, according to Microsoft's president, Brad Smith. He emphasized the need for enhanced safety regulations for AI, including legal obligations for companies if their systems are compromised by rogue AI agents.
In an
UK Enhances Cyber Defenses; AI Firms Urged to Boost Safety Measures
In a forthcoming speech in west London, the UK's AI minister, Kanishka Narayan, will emphasize the need for companies developing advanced AI systems to enhance safety measures. He will argue that relying solely on tech companies to regulate their own models is insufficient and stress the importance of
Anthropic Prohibits Harmful Conduct Towards Claude
Anthropic has updated its policy to prevent users from engaging in "sustained and needless abusive or cruel behavior" towards its AI models. This change comes as the company's leadership continues to explore the concept of machine consciousness.
The Verge was the first to report this policy