The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature a true full‑screen design with an under‑display Face ID system, a breakthrough 2‑nanometer A20 Pro processor, and a variable‑aperture camera that switches between f/1.6 and f/2.2. These upgrades aim to deliver sharper visuals, faster performance, and superior low‑light photography while keeping the familiar 6.9‑inch size.
Display and Full‑Screen Design
The Pro model retains a 6.3‑inch panel, while the Pro Max stays at 6.9 inches. Both devices use LTPO OLED technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz, delivering smoother scrolling and lower power consumption. A key innovation is the integration of an under‑screen Face ID array, eliminating the notch and Dynamic Island for an uninterrupted viewing experience.
Under‑Screen Face ID
The new biometric system sits beneath the display, using a refined sensor array to maintain fast, accurate facial recognition while preserving the full‑screen aesthetic. This marks a shift from previous notches and cutouts toward a cleaner design language.
Front Camera Relocation
Leaks indicate the selfie camera will move to the left edge of the device, aligning with the pill‑shaped cutout that houses the under‑screen Face ID sensors. This placement frees additional screen real estate and introduces a more symmetrical front‑face layout.
2nm A20 Pro Chip Performance
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is slated to debut Apple’s 2‑nanometer A20 Pro SoC, while the standard Pro will receive a slightly less‑binned variant. Built on TSMC’s latest process, the chip promises up to 30 % better performance‑per‑watt compared with the preceding generation, enabling smoother high‑frame‑rate gaming, faster AI features, and longer battery life despite the larger display.
Variable‑Aperture Camera System
The primary wide‑angle lens can switch between f/1.6 and f/2.2, a capability previously limited to ultra‑wide sensors. Combined with a larger sensor and enhanced computational photography, this delivers improved low‑light performance and depth‑of‑field control without additional lenses. A periscope telephoto lens offering up to 6× optical zoom further expands creative options.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Apple is expected to keep the Pro line’s price tier, with the iPhone 18 Pro starting around $999 and the Pro Max near $1,199. The adoption of full‑screen and under‑display biometric technology may modestly increase production costs, potentially nudging base prices upward.
What’s Next?
The upcoming September event will confirm whether these specifications materialize. If the rumors hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will set a new benchmark for design, performance, and photography, positioning Apple firmly against competing flagship smartphones that already feature under‑display sensors and high‑refresh‑rate panels.
