Next iPhone 18 Pro Max could be Apple’s heaviest with larger battery and cooling system
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max could become thicker and heavier, according to recent speculation. The changes would be motivated by a higher capacity battery and an improved cooling system that the company is planning.
New information released by well-known leaker Ice Universe indicates that Apple’s future top of the line will be approximately 9 millimeters thick and weigh around 240 grams. If these data are confirmed, the device would be 0.25 mm thicker and 7 grams heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The expectation of a larger battery for the model has been reinforced by recent regulatory documents. This information shows a 5,391 mAh battery destined for the Chinese market and a 5,567 mAh battery for the United States, representing an increase of almost 500 mAh compared to the current model.
More on this story: IPhone 18 Pro Max: leaks suggest major advances in camera, screen and autonomy
The main reason for the design changes would be directly linked to this battery update. The search for greater autonomy is a constant demand from smartphone consumers.
In addition to the expanded battery capacity, the Ice Universe leak also points to the possible introduction of a new cooling system. This, which would use a stainless steel vapor chamber, would also contribute to the device’s increased weight.
There are still disagreements regarding the exact increase in the phone’s thickness. While Ice Universe suggests around 9 mm, other sources indicate that the body of the device may remain the same, with the increase focusing only on the rear camera protuberance.
See Also
The positioning of the new iPhone 18 Pro Max among Apple’s heaviest models
Without specific details confirmed about the final weight, if the 240-gram estimate is accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would reach the same weight as the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The latter is still considered one of the heaviest smartphones ever launched by Apple, and there are indications that the iPhone 18 Pro, standard version, could also weigh more.
Historically, Apple has sought to reduce the weight of its devices. The company replaced stainless steel with titanium in the iPhone 15 Pro line and later used aluminum in the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, internal hardware modifications appear to have reversed this trend, leading to a gradual increase in weight in new releases.
Learn more: New leaks detail foldable iPhone Ultra and Apple’s 20th anniversary model
Impact on consumers: bigger battery versus comfort
For many users, choosing a new smartphone can come down to balancing comfort and durability. A larger battery, which offers greater autonomy, is one of the most requested improvements in mobile devices, a positive point for the new iPhone.
However, the added weight and thickness can make holding an already large phone less comfortable, especially with one hand. Although the reported increase is relatively small in numbers, it may be noticeable for those migrating from the brand’s thinner models.
With the iPhone 18 lineup expected to be unveiled in September, possibly alongside the long-awaited foldable iPhone, Apple’s final hardware decisions will determine whether the size increase will be considered an advantageous trade-off by buyers.
