New iPhone 18 Pro Max mockups have leaked online — and the main thing that catches your eye is the enlarged camera module. The lenses protrude more, the camera platform has become thicker, and the body has grown slightly in size. If the mockups are accurate, Apple is betting on DSLR-level camera in iPhone 18 Pro — going against the trend of flat cameras.
The camera on the new iPhone will protrude even more than it does now
Differences Between iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max
The mockups were published by Vadim Yuryev from the YouTube channel Max Tech. Such mockups are usually made by case manufacturers based on data leaked from Apple’s partner factories. Last year, similar iPhone 17 Pro mockups turned out to be very accurate, so the new ones should be taken seriously.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: leaks show thicker body, protruding camera, and revolutionary design
According to Yuryev, the camera platform has become thicker, and the black glass over the lenses protrudes more noticeably. Apparently, the camera changes in iPhone 18 Pro haven’t gone unnoticed. At the same time, the overall body dimensions have barely changed — the difference is only 0.36 mm in height and 0.39 mm in width. The thickness of the body itself remained the same.
Later, Yuryev provided specific numbers:
- Total thickness including camera platform: 11.54 mm for iPhone 18 Pro Max versus 11.23 mm for iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Total thickness including protruding lenses: 13.77 mm versus 12.92 mm
The difference in lens protrusion is almost a millimeter. It’s not a catastrophe, but on a table without a case, the device will wobble more noticeably.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Max Camera Got Thicker
Apple is rumored to be preparing several significant camera improvements for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Each of them may require more physical space inside the body.
- Variable aperture in the main camera — will allow manual control of the amount of light hitting the sensor. This will give more control over exposure, depth of field, and the overall look of photos
- Larger aperture in the telephoto lens — will improve low-light photography
- Three-layer image sensor from Samsung — will make the camera more responsive, reduce noise, and expand dynamic range (the difference between the darkest and brightest areas of the frame)
A variable aperture lens requires more space inside the body
Each of these improvements theoretically explains why the camera module needed more space. However, none of the previous insiders directly stated that the lenses would protrude more — the mockups became the first evidence.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Design: New Camera Module and Body Colors
Setting cameras aside, the iPhone 18 Pro Max design practically mirrors its predecessor. Same form factor, same body thickness. The main visual difference is the rear panel with a more massive camera module. Additionally, the iPhone 18 Pro colors will change — black won’t be in the lineup again.
New iPhone 18 Pro colors. Gray instead of black
This is interesting because the industry as a whole is moving toward flat or nearly flat cameras. Samsung and other manufacturers are trying to minimize the bump. Apple, judging by the mockups, is going a different route — prioritizing optics quality over body flatness.
For users with cases, the difference will be minimal — manufacturers will simply adapt the cutout height for the camera. But those who carry their iPhone without a case should keep in mind: on a flat surface, the device will wobble slightly more.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Release Date and Price
Apple traditionally unveils new iPhones in September. iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected around mid-September 2026 — along with the rest of the lineup and the first foldable iPhone from Apple.
The cherry iPhone 18 Pro will clearly be in short supply at first
It’s important to remember that mockups are not final devices. They are based on manufacturing blueprints and may differ from the production version in details. But the basic dimensions and proportions usually match with sub-millimeter accuracy.
Nothing is known yet about iPhone 18 Pro Max pricing. If Apple keeps the price at the same level as iPhone 17 Pro Max, it will start from $1,199. However, the price of iPhone 18 Pro may increase — there is no official data yet.
Should You Wait for iPhone 18 Pro Max or Buy iPhone 17 Pro Max
If you’re currently choosing between buying iPhone 17 Pro Max and waiting for the next generation, camera improvements are the main argument in favor of waiting. Variable aperture and the new sensor could become the most noticeable leap in mobile photography in recent years. For those who shoot a lot of photos and videos in various conditions, the difference will be significant.
By the way, if you want an orange smartphone, there’s not much time left to buy one
