US media 9to5Mac has organized the new elements of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to be announced on September 9, US time (early September 10, Japan time). Improvements are expected in four areas: performance, camera, design, and battery, and the Pro Max is expected to add unique features such as a variable aperture camera.
The screen size is expected to remain unchanged from the current model, with the iPhone 18 Pro being 6.3 inches and the Pro Max being 6.9 inches. If you are considering a replacement, you will want to know what changes will be made before the announcement.
Processing performance has been significantly improved with A20 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to be equipped with Apple’s new chip “A20 Pro”. The A20 Pro is reported to belong to the same generation chip family as the just-announced M6, so we can expect significant performance improvements.
9to5Mac also notes that this coincides with the arrival of Siri’s AI functionality in iOS 27. Improving processing performance is important for comfortably using AI functions.
Compare rumors regarding the main specifications of iPhone 18 Pro Max with 17 Pro Max
Camera update, variable aperture prioritized for Pro Max?
Cameras are likely to be a highlight this year. The main camera will be replaced with a new module, and the camera protrusion will reportedly be the thickest ever. The telephoto camera has a wider aperture, which is expected to improve shooting performance in dark places. It is also said to come with revamped camera controls.
Regarding the variable aperture, which is attracting attention, reports are divided on whether it is only Pro Max or both models, but Bloomberg reporter Mark Garman mentioned Pro Max by name in the latest newsletter.
In an article published by iPhone Mania in May that compared rumors about the specs of the iPhone 18 Pro Max with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, it was thought that it was likely that the wide-angle camera would support variable aperture. This report can be said to reinforce this view.
The cost of iPhone 18 Pro Max is approximately 136,000 yen – a significant increase compared to the current price
Dynamic Island reduced by approximately 35%
It is reported that the design will continue the route of the previous model, but the Dynamic Island notch at the top of the screen will be approximately 35% smaller. On the back, the color combination of glass and aluminum has increased, and a new dark cherry (burgundy) color is also expected to be added.
Regarding the display, iPhone Mania reported in September last year that it is expected to be equipped with a thin, power-saving OLED display that eliminates polarizing plates. If realized, we can expect improvements not only in terms of appearance but also in terms of power efficiency.
Pro Max has approximately 10% more battery capacity.
Battery life is expected to improve for both models thanks to the power efficiency improvements in the A20 Pro and the new Apple C2 modem. It is reported that the battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro will also increase slightly.
Pro Max is even more advantageous. According to information filed with regulatory authorities, it is expected to have a battery that is approximately 10% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. If drive time is your top priority, Pro Max seems to be a more powerful option than ever.
Price not announced, focus on cost increase
The price and release date in Japan have not yet been announced. Apple is expected to provide official information after the announcement event, so please check the company’s announcement for prices.
What I’m concerned about is price trends. iPhone Mania reported in July that the cost of parts for the iPhone 18 Pro Max would reach approximately 136,000 yen, an increase of approximately 48,000 yen from the current price. A major point of interest for Japanese users is whether this increase will be passed on to the selling price.
There are only a few days left until the announcement event. Previous coverage of the iPhone 18 series can be found on the iPhone 18 summary page.
Source: 9to5Mac
Source: iPhone Mania
