According to a prominent leaker, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max will likely keep the same dimensions as its predecessor. The phone is expected to measure 8.75mm thick, just like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This contradicts earlier rumors suggesting it would be thicker.
The information comes from Ice Universe, a leaker on Weibo, which is China’s version of X/Twitter. This report first caught attention on MacRumors and was later picked up by 9to5Mac.
A Reversal From Earlier Leaks
Last year, sources within the supply chain hinted that Apple was gradually increasing the thickness of its Pro Max iPhones. The iPhone 16 Pro Max measured 8.25mm, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max was 8.75mm. If this trend had continued, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would have exceeded 9mm.
However, this new leak indicates that won’t be the case. Ice Universe states that 8.75mm is indeed the final thickness for the 18 Pro Max, meaning Apple is sticking with this measurement instead of increasing it.
To give you an idea, 8.75mm is about the thickness of four stacked credit cards. While it’s not super slim, it’s also not bulky. Most users won’t notice much difference between 8.75mm and 9.2mm in everyday use, especially with a case on.
Why Phones Have Been Getting Thicker
Thicker phones are usually a design choice that comes with tradeoffs. More depth means room for larger camera sensors, bigger batteries, and better cooling systems to prevent processors from overheating. Apple’s trend toward thicker Pro Max models over the years has aligned with notable improvements in camera and battery technology.
On the flip side, Apple’s also releasing a super-slim “iPhone 17 Air” model this year, which is reportedly under 6mm thick. With one phone focused on thinness and another on performance, Apple can cater to both markets without compromising on either.
If the 18 Pro Max does stay at 8.75mm, it suggests Apple has found a comfortable balance for fitting internal components without needing extra space.
| Model | Thickness |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 8.25mm |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 8.75mm |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max (alleged) | 8.75mm |
How Reliable Is This Leak?
Ice Universe has a mixed but mostly solid track record on Apple hardware specs, especially regarding dimensions and display details. That said, leaks this early — about three to four months before Apple’s typical September announcements — tend to have more uncertainty than those closer to the launch date. Manufacturers usually finalize dimensions a few months ahead of production, so a June leak about thickness is plausible but not guaranteed.
This leak also contradicts at least one earlier rumor. This could mean either the design changed during development, or one of the sources was working with incomplete information.
Community Reaction
“Honestly fine with this. I don’t need it to be thinner; I need the battery to keep getting better. If 8.75mm gets me another hour of screen time, great.”
“The thickness discourse every year is exhausting. Nobody complains once they have the phone in their hand.”
What This Means
For most buyers, a phone that stays at 8.75mm is a non-issue, which is a good thing. If the measurement holds, your current iPhone 17 Pro Max case should fit the 18 Pro Max just fine. More importantly, this suggests Apple might be focusing on improving performance, battery life, and camera capabilities without needing to make the phone larger.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade because you were worried the 18 Pro Max would feel noticeably heavier or bulkier, this leak should ease your concerns. As always, keep in mind that specs can change until Apple officially confirms them on stage.
What To Watch
- Summer 2026: Case manufacturers usually finalize molds two to three months before launch. If third-party case dimensions start showing up online that match 8.75mm, that’ll be a strong indication this leak is correct.
- September 2026: Apple’s annual iPhone event will confirm the official specs. Expect invites in late August.
- Additional leaks: As production ramps up, more supply chain sources are likely to emerge. Keep an eye out for CAD (computer-aided design) drawings, as they provide the most accurate dimensions and are typically reliable within a millimeter or two.
Daniel Park
Daniel Park covers AI, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software for Explosion.com. A former software engineer who transitioned to technology journalism 5 years ago, Daniel brings technical depth to his reporting on artificial intelligence, startup funding rounds, and the companies building the future of computing. He breaks down complex AI developments and business strategies into clear, actionable insights for readers who want to understand how technology is reshaping industries.
