Apple’s next flagship might not just push performance. It could push the scale too. According to a new leak from Weibo-based source Instant Digital, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will cross the 240 gram mark, becoming the heaviest iPhone Apple has ever made.
The current iPhone 17 Pro Max already leaned into bulk with a sturdier frame and 233 grams of weight. Its successor is said to add about 10 grams, reaching roughly 243 grams, while also becoming slightly thicker at around 9 millimeters. On paper that sounds minor, but in the hand it adds up, especially during long photo sessions, gaming, or scrolling in bed.
The extra mass appears to come from several internal upgrades. Reports point to a larger battery, a more advanced vapor chamber for cooling, and an all-new camera setup. Apple’s upcoming A20 chip will require stronger thermal management, and stainless steel cooling components could add several grams on their own. The tradeoff is steadier performance during heavy workloads such as 4K video capture or AI-powered features.
The camera system is another likely factor. Apple is expected to introduce its first variable aperture lens, which brings moving parts for real-time depth and light control. That level of mechanical precision adds both complexity and a few grams, along with a new three-layer stacked image sensor rumored to be supplied by Samsung.
If true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would outweigh the 14 Pro Max, which held the previous record at 240 grams, and move further away from the lightweight titanium iPhones of recent years. After two generations of slimming down, Apple now seems comfortable prioritizing power, battery life, and camera capability over thinness.
The shift reflects what users appear to want. Sales of the ultra-thin iPhone Air have lagged behind the thicker Pro lineup, suggesting that most buyers prefer endurance and battery life over a slimmer build. A heavier frame supports longer use, better cooling, and stronger optics, all of which improve real-world performance.
(via Weibo)
