Design stays familiar but with a cleaner lookThe iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to keep the same overall design and display size as the last few Pro models. Apple may drop the two-tone finish on the back and make the colour and texture more uniform, giving the phone a smoother and more seamless appearance. Thicker body likely means a bigger batteryReports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker and heavier than the previous generation. While the exact reason is unclear, the most likely explanation is a larger battery. Apple may be increasing battery capacity to support new features and offer longer overall usage. Smaller Dynamic Island but not gone yetApple is testing different front-camera designs, but most sources believe the iPhone 18 Pro Max will still have a Dynamic Island. It may shrink in size as Apple works on miniaturising the front camera. Full under-display Face ID is still uncertain and may be pushed to a later model. . Big performance jump with new A20 chip and C2 modemThe iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to run on Apple’s new A20 chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process. This should offer faster performance and better power efficiency. Apple’s new in-house C2 modem may also bring faster 5G speeds, lower power use and support for mmWave in the US. Major camera upgrades including variable apertureApple may introduce a Samsung-made image sensor with better low-light performance and dynamic range. The main camera could get a DSLR-style variable aperture for more control over focus and light. Apple is also refining the Camera Control button design to reduce costs while keeping its features intact.