Oct 12·Emerging
Follow-up 4d ago Major2
97%
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Two-day battery, variable camera, but weighs 249g
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max features the longest-lasting iPhone battery yet, lasting up to three days on light use, plus a variable aperture camera and upgraded Siri AI. However, at 249 grams, it is notably heavy and difficult to use with one hand, posing usability concerns despite its premium pricing and performance capabilities.
Quick Facts
- iPhone 18 Pro Max released with largest Pro battery upgrade
- Variable aperture camera system added to main camera
- iOS 27 operating system with upgraded Siri AI assistant
- Device support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, satellite connectivity, and ultra-wideband
- Battery lasts up to three days on light usage, two days on moderate use
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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max is the largest model in the Pro lineup, featuring a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display and a significant battery upgrade. The device can last up to three days on light usage or two days with moderate use, making it the longest-lasting iPhone battery to date. This improvement stems from a larger battery capacity combined with the power-efficient A20 Pro chip and iOS 27, which includes behind-the-scenes power consumption optimizations.
The phone retains the camera system of the smaller iPhone 18 Pro, with three 48-megapixel rear cameras including 4x and 8x optical zoom capabilities and a 0.5x ultra-wide lens. A notable addition is a variable aperture on the main camera, offering wider aperture options than previous iPhones. The device also features an 18-megapixel centre-stage selfie camera and includes iOS 27 with an upgraded Siri AI assistant that can understand context better, access screen content, and integrate Apple app data.
The phone's weight of 249g presents significant usability challenges. This makes it 23 grams heavier than its nearest competitor, 38 grams heavier than the smaller iPhone 18 Pro, and heavier than many folding phones. Users report hand fatigue during extended single-handed use, requiring two-handed operation or accessories like handles or straps. Despite its 6.9-inch screen being praised for brightness, clarity and anti-glare coating, the overall size and weight make pocket carry impractical for many users.
Pricing starts at £1,299 (€1,599/$1,299/A$2,299), positioning it below the iPhone Duo at £2,000 but still at the premium end of the market. The device supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, USB-C, satellite connectivity, and ultra-wideband. Water resistance meets IP68 standards (6 metres for 30 minutes). The battery retains at least 80% capacity after over 1,000 full-charge cycles and can be replaced for £119. iFixit awarded the phone seven out of ten for repairability, and it contains over 40% recycled material.
Why This Matters
iPhone 18 Pro Max's two-to-three-day battery addresses a core user pain point in premium phones, potentially extending the typical daily charging cycle and reducing reliance on mid-day top-ups. However, at 249g, the device exceeds competitors and most foldable phones, creating documented ergonomic friction: single-handed use causes hand fatigue, limiting practical appeal despite strong camera and display specs. Pricing at £1,299–$1,299 positions it in the saturated premium segment where weight and handling directly influence purchase decisions and daily usability satisfaction.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 12, 2026
WireThe Guardian publishes iPhone 18 Pro Max review
Oct 12, 2026
WireCNET publishes battery testing results and review of iPhone 18 Pro Max