Apple · Reviewed by Trakin Tech · Published 2026-06-05
Based on a review by Trakin Tech (accessed 2026-06-05).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about new 2nm bionic a20 chipset for 15-20% faster performance and 20-25% better efficiency — just accept no external design change compared to iphone 17 pro max.
The reviewer advises that those with iPhone 16 or 17 Pro Max don't need to upgrade due to minimal external changes, suggesting a skin for new colors. However, creators and videographers focused on camera features, or those upgrading from iPhone 14/15 Pro Max, might consider the iPhone 18 Pro Max, or even the upcoming foldable iPhone 18 Ultra.
The review provides a first look at dummy models of the rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max, discussing potential external similarities to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and significant internal upgrades. It covers expected features such as new colors, chipset performance, camera enhancements, battery improvements, and AI integration. The reviewer also speculates on the launch timeline and pricing.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy suggests a solid, albeit visually identical, upgrade for users on older iPhone models, primarily due to internal enhancements. It features a new 2nm Bionic A20 chipset offering 15-20% faster performance and 20-25% improved efficiency. Camera upgrades are significant, including a variable aperture system, 48MP fusion, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, plus a 24MP selfie camera capable of 8K ProRes video. However, the external design remains unchanged from the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the display specifications are identical. If you are using an iPhone 14, 15, or even 16 series device, waiting for the 18 Pro Max is advisable for substantial performance and camera benefits. If you currently own an iPhone 16 or 17 Pro Max, the lack of aesthetic changes and minor incremental upgrades likely do not justify an immediate switch.
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The reviewer states that the iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy looks exactly like the iPhone 17 Pro Max from both the front and back, making it indistinguishable without prior knowledge.
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The reviewer highlights two new color options for the iPhone 18 series: Jamun (Purple), which he personally disliked, and Sky Blue, which he found appealing.
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The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to feature a Bionic A20 chipset built on a 2NM process, promising a 15-20% increase in speed and 20-25% improvement in efficiency.
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The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be 25% smaller, an improvement that might encourage users of older iPhones to upgrade.
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Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature variable aperture cameras, allowing for adjustments between f1.4 and f2.8 during shooting.
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The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to include a triple 48MP camera setup, comprising a fusion camera, an ultrawide camera, and a telephoto camera.
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The selfie camera on the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be upgraded from 18MP to 24MP.
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There are rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will support 8K ProRes video recording, an upgrade from the current 4K capability.
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The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature Apple's own C2 modem and an N2 chip for Wi-Fi connectivity.
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The reviewer mentions a rumored LPDDR6 RAM type, noting that it hasn't been widely discussed yet but combined with 2NM architecture, it would be powerful.
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The eSIM variant of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to have a 5100-5200mAh battery, representing a 10-15% increase in capacity.
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The charging speed for the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to increase from 40W to 50W.
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The display specifications for the iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to remain the same as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED panel.
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Apple has reportedly partnered with Google for Gemini integration with Siri on the backend, making Siri more intelligent and conversational.
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The reviewer anticipates a price increase of at least $100 for all iPhone 18 series models, with the Pro Max variants possibly seeing an increase of $150-$200.
The reviewer's visual inspection of dummy models suggests no discernible changes to the external design, front or back, compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The only external difference noted is the introduction of two new colors.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to incorporate a Bionic A20 chipset, built on a 2NM process, which should boost performance by 15-20% and increase efficiency by 20-25%. It may also include LPDDR6 RAM for a "deadly combination for performance."
The camera system is rumored to include variable aperture lenses (f1.4-f2.8), a triple 48MP setup (fusion, ultrawide, telephoto), an upgraded 24MP selfie camera, and the ability to shoot 8K ProRes videos.
The eSIM variant of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to get a 10-15% battery capacity increase, reaching 5100-5200mAh. Additionally, charging speed is expected to improve from 40W to 50W.
The reviewer anticipates a price increase for the iPhone 18 series, suggesting at least a $100 increase across all models, and possibly a $150-$200 increase specifically for the Pro Max variants.
The reviewer suggests that users with iPhone 14, 15, or older iPhone Pro Max models are good candidates for upgrading. He also recommends it for content creators and videographers who prioritize camera advancements. Those with iPhone 16 or 17 Pro Max models are advised against upgrading due to minimal external changes.
Apple has reportedly partnered with Google for Gemini integration with Siri on the backend. This collaboration is expected to make Siri more intelligent and capable of more conversational interactions, allowing it to "give you answers by using its brain."
65/100 source quality
This video offers a "first look" at iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy models, highlighting that its external design is virtually identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, except for two new color options: Jamun (Purple) and Sky Blue. The review focuses on rumored internal changes, including a 15-20% faster Bionic A20 chipset (2NM), a 25% smaller Dynamic Island, and an upgraded camera system with variable aperture, 48MP sensors, and an 18-24MP selfie camera. It also anticipates 8K ProRes video capabilities, Apple's C2 modem, LPDDR6 RAM, a 5100-5200mAh battery with 50W charging, and Siri AI features integrated with Google Gemini. Prices are expected to increase by $100-200.
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