iPhone 18 Pro Max: New colours, price and features ahead of Apple launch

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro Max on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, as the company prepares to introduce its latest generation of premium smartphones.

The launch is expected to take place during Apple’s Surprise and Shine event, where the company is also tipped to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and its first foldable iPhone.

While Apple has not confirmed all the details surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro Max ahead of the event, several reports and leaks have pointed to changes in its design, camera system, performance, battery and colour options.

Here is what prospective buyers can expect from Apple’s next high-end iPhone.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max new colours

One of the most noticeable changes could be the colours Apple chooses for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Recent leaks have pointed to Dark Cherry and Sky Blue as two of the colours being considered for the new Pro models. Other reports have mentioned black, dark grey and silver as possible options.

Macworld previously reported that Apple had been working on Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Grey and Silver finishes for the iPhone 18 Pro models. However, the report noted that Apple could still drop some of the colours before the phones reach the market.

The Dark Cherry option has attracted particular attention because it would give the Pro Max a deeper, wine-like appearance, offering a different look from the brighter colours used on previous models.

However, it is important to note that these are leaked colour options, and Apple is expected to confirm the final lineup during its launch event.

• Expected iPhone 18 Pro Max design

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to retain much of the design language introduced with recent Pro models rather than receiving a complete physical redesign.

One of the reported changes is a smaller Dynamic Island. If introduced, the change would give the display slightly more usable space while retaining the system used for alerts, calls, live activities and other interactive functions.

The Pro Max is also expected to continue with a large display, with reports pointing to a 6.9-inch screen.

The overall design is therefore likely to feel familiar to existing iPhone users, with Apple focusing more on internal upgrades and smaller refinements.

• Camera upgrades

The camera system is expected to be one of the major areas of improvement.

Reports have pointed to a variable-aperture main camera, a technology that would give the camera greater control over how much light enters the lens.

In simple terms, a variable aperture could allow the camera to adjust the lens opening depending on the lighting conditions and the type of photo being taken.

This could improve photography in situations such as low light and portraits while giving users greater control over the appearance of their images.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also expected to retain a multi-camera system, with reports continuing to point to 48MP sensors among the rear cameras.

• A20 Pro chip

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to receive Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip.

Reports suggest the processor could be manufactured using a 2-nanometre process, which could improve performance and power efficiency compared with previous generations.

For ordinary users, a more efficient chip could mean faster performance when opening applications, editing photos and videos, playing demanding games and carrying out AI-related tasks.

The improvement could also help Apple balance higher performance with better battery efficiency.

• Battery life

Battery performance is another area where the iPhone 18 Pro Max could receive an upgrade.

Reports suggest Apple could increase the battery capacity compared with the previous generation. The combination of a larger battery and a more efficient processor could result in longer usage between charges.

For users who rely heavily on their phones for photography, video streaming, social media and gaming, improved battery life could be one of the more practical upgrades.

• Expected price

Apple has not officially announced the price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, reports suggest the new Pro models could cost more than their predecessors. Tom’s Guide reported that analysts and leaks were pointing to a possible price increase of between $100 and $200, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially starting at around $1,399 (approximately Ksh181,100).

Other estimates have placed the starting price of the 256GB model between $1,199 (about Ksh155,200) and $1,249 (about Ksh161,700), highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the final price.

The actual price will only become clear once Apple officially announces the device.

For Kenyan buyers, the final local price could be higher after factoring in taxes, shipping costs, retailer margins and currency conversion.

What makes the iPhone 18 Pro Max different?

If the current reports prove accurate, Apple is focusing on several smaller but important improvements rather than completely changing the iPhone’s appearance.

The biggest expected changes include the new colour options, A20 Pro chip, improved battery performance, smaller Dynamic Island and an upgraded camera system with possible variable aperture technology.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max could therefore appeal particularly to users who want a large-screen iPhone with stronger performance and advanced photography features.

Still, most of these details remain based on leaks and industry reports. Apple is expected to provide the final specifications, colours, prices and availability during its September 9 launch event.

Until then, buyers should treat the leaked specifications and prices as expectations rather than confirmed information.