Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max packs a full‑screen design, under‑display Face ID, a left‑side selfie camera, a 2 nm A20 Pro processor, and a variable‑aperture main lens. Expected to launch in September 2026 with a starting price around $1,199, these upgrades aim to set a new benchmark for premium smartphones.
Display and Form Factor
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a 6.9‑inch LTPO OLED panel with adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz and peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits. The traditional notch is removed in favor of an under‑screen Face ID array, delivering a truly bezel‑less experience.
Camera Innovation
A variable‑aperture system lets the main sensor switch between f/1.5 and f/2.2 depending on lighting, improving low‑light performance and depth‑of‑field control. The front‑facing lens is relocated to the left side of the chassis and hidden beneath the display, preserving the seamless screen while maintaining high‑resolution selfies and TrueDepth functionality.
Chipset and Performance
The device is powered by Apple’s first 2 nm A20 Pro chip, promising up to 30% higher performance and 40% better energy efficiency compared with the A19 Bionic. An integrated 8‑core GPU and dedicated neural engine will accelerate AI workloads, 8K video editing, and next‑gen AR experiences.
Pricing and Launch Timing
- Estimated starting price: $1,199 USD
- Higher‑spec configurations could reach $1,499
- Official launch expected in September 2026
Context and Background
Apple’s recent roadmap has emphasized camera and AI capabilities while refining form‑factor design. The under‑display Face ID system, long‑rumored since the iPhone 12 Pro era, finally reaches production readiness. Transitioning to a 2 nm process aligns Apple with its semiconductor partners to maintain a performance lead over rivals using 3 nm nodes.
Implications for the Market
Competitors will feel pressure to accelerate their own under‑display sensor programs. By integrating a left‑side selfie camera, Apple avoids the image‑quality compromises seen in other under‑display camera implementations. The efficiency gains of the A20 Pro could also extend battery life, making the large display more practical for power users and gamers.
What to Watch For
- Official confirmation of under‑display Face ID – biometric integration details
- A20 Pro benchmark results – real‑world performance versus A19
- Pricing strategy – potential financing or trade‑in incentives
- iOS 18 software integration – support for variable‑aperture optics and new camera placement
