Leaked iPhone 18 Pro Max Dummies Show Noticeably Thicker Camera Bump

Newly leaked dummy models suggest Apple's next flagship iPhone could feature a noticeably thicker camera bump, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max showing a larger rear module than the current generation.



YouTuber Vadim Yuryev posted comparative images of the metal molds on X, placing the upcoming design side-by-side with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Accessory manufacturers use these dummy units, typically based on leaked dimensions, to prepare cases months ahead of Apple's fall launch, offering an early look at the device's expected dimensions.


The reported measurements point to an increase. Including the camera plateau, the iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy measures 11.54mm thick, up from 11.23mm on the current model. Factoring in the individual lens bumps, total thickness reaches 13.77mm, compared to 12.92mm last year. Yuryev noted that the black glass covering the lenses protrudes slightly more to accommodate updated optics.

That added thickness lines up with several camera upgrades that have been rumored for this cycle. Apple is expected to equip the main wide-angle camera with a variable aperture system, a mechanical change that would let the lens adjust how much light enters the sensor and how depth of field is rendered. The telephoto lens is also rumored to get a wider aperture to help with low-light photography. In addition, supply chain reports have pointed to a new three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung, which could contribute to the overall size of the camera module.

Earlier reports suggested Apple had explored using a 200-megapixel sensor in this generation, but the company has reportedly moved away from that approach. Instead, it's expected to stick with a 48-megapixel setup while putting more emphasis on changes to how the camera system actually captures light and processes images.

Outside of the camera system, the overall footprint remains largely unchanged. The dummy shows only minor increases in height and width, measuring about 0.36mm and 0.39mm larger than its predecessor. This aligns with earlier dummy unit leaks, which suggested the base chassis thickness stays around 8.75mm alongside unchanged display bezels.


While the rear camera may be growing, Apple is expected to reduce the size of the front cutout. The company is reportedly moving some Face ID components beneath the display, which could result in a smaller Dynamic Island when the iPhone 18 Pro models arrive later this fall.