iPhone 18 Pro Max Dummies Reveal Thicker Camera Bump, Larger Lenses
▼ Summary
– Dummy units for the iPhone 18 Pro models suggest a thicker camera plateau and more protruding camera lenses compared to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
– The total thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro Max including the camera plateau is 11.54mm, and including lens bumps is 13.77mm, both thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
– The main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro may feature a variable aperture for manual control over light and depth of field.
– The telephoto lens could have a larger aperture to improve performance in low-light conditions.
– At least one iPhone 18 Pro model might include a new three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung for better responsiveness, reduced noise, and increased dynamic range.
New dummy units for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max suggest that Apple’s upcoming flagship devices will feature a noticeably thicker camera bump and larger lenses, even though no prior leaks had pointed to such a design change. The images, shared by YouTube channel Max Tech’s Vadim Yuryev, show dummy models created by third-party case manufacturers using information from Apple’s supply chain.
According to Yuryev, the dummies reveal “much thicker cameras” with the black glass surrounding the lenses protruding further than before. He also notes that the entire camera plateau is “a bit thicker” compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A side-by-side image compares a silver iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy with a blue iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy, highlighting the difference. Apart from the camera system, the two devices are extremely similar in dimensions, though the 18 Pro Max is slightly taller (0.36mm) and wider (0.39mm). Yuryev stands by the accuracy of these dummies, saying they should be “spot on,” just like the iPhone 17 Pro dummies he received last year from the same source, believed to be Sonny Dickson.
Several camera upgrades are expected for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The Main camera could gain a variable aperture, giving users manual control over light intake to reduce overexposure and adjust depth of field. The Telephoto lens might also feature a larger aperture for improved low-light performance. Additionally, at least one model could include a three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung, which would enhance responsiveness, reduce noise, and boost dynamic range.
While these upgrades could theoretically require a larger camera module, no leak has explicitly stated that the lenses or plateau would grow. This is surprising given the industry trend toward flush or near-flush camera systems, but Apple may be taking a different approach. The devices are expected to launch around mid-September alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Since the story was published, Yuryev has shared additional dimensions: The total thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro Max including the camera plateau is 11.54mm (vs. 11.23mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max), and the total thickness including lens bumps is 13.77mm (vs. 12.92mm).
(Source: MacRumors)
