Apple has fully invested in its 'Pro' strategy with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, making the models thicker and heavier than their predecessors. Now, a leaker is reporting that the same will happen next year with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
See also: Apple: Hides the Selfie Camera Under the Screen of the Anniversary iPhone
This fall's iPhone 17 lineup pits ultra-thin against ultra-thick. With sales of the ultra-thin iPhone Air disappointing and the iPhone 17 Pro models selling exceptionally well, thick has clearly won out. Apple appears to be planning to focus more on what users want.
See also: The iPhone 18 Pro will have a smaller hole for the front camera
Leaker Instant Digital posted on Weibo about the iPhone 18 Pro Max, stating that it will be even thicker and heavier than the 17 Pro Max. Specifically, the post claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will weigh over 240g, making it the heaviest iPhone ever. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max weighs 233g and the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227g. The last heaviest was the iPhone 14 Pro Max at 240g, but it looks like next year's model will surpass even that.
Instant Digital reports that the model will be slightly thicker than its predecessor. Perhaps, as it did this year, Apple is planning to add an even larger battery.
See also: Rumors of a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro
While the fat iPhone Pro models are there for those who need extra battery life, the thought of an iPhone 18 Pro Max that's even heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max might not appeal to everyone. However, the sales numbers clearly show that they're in the minority. Many users want the biggest, longest-lasting iPhone possible, and it's a good move for Apple to offer that.
