iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: All the differences explained

tomsguide.com Sep 12, 2026

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: All the differences explained

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 12, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro Max, positioning it as the successor to the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a $100 price increase to $1,299. The new model retains the 6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR ProMotion display and 120 Hz refresh rate, but adds a variable‑aperture 48 MP main camera, an A20 Pro chipset, and 12 GB of RAM. Battery life claims rise to 43 hours of video playback, up from 37 hours, supported by 60 W wired charging. Both phones share identical ultra‑wide and telephoto lenses, front‑camera specs, IP68 protection, and storage options up to 2 TB. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is slightly heavier at 249 g and comes in four colors, while the 17 Pro Max remains available at $1,199 for early adopters worldwide today.

💡 Why It Matters

· The variable‑aperture sensor gives the 18 Pro Max a tangible edge in dim environments, turning the upgrade into a practical photography win rather than a modest spec bump.

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I’ve never wanted a phone as much as the iPhone Duo, but…

Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, at the September event, marking the company’s entry into a market dominated by Samsung and Huawei. The device features a dual‑camera system, Touch ID on the outer hinge, and a 7.2‑inch flexible display, but omits the Action button, Face ID and a third rear camera found on the iPhone 18 Pro, which costs roughly half as much. Priced at $2,000 and slated for an October release, the Duo targets early adopters willing to pay a premium for novelty and Apple’s design polish. Critics note the trade‑offs as a “flawed first attempt,” yet compare its potential impact to the original iPhone, which reshaped the industry despite limited features at launch.

💡 The Duo could redefine consumer expectations for premium smartphones, forcing rivals to prioritize foldable design and ecosystem integration over incremental upgrades.

9to5mac.com · Sep 13

Here are my favorite fast charger recommendations for iPhone 18 Pro

A curated list of top fast charging accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro highlights various options for different user needs. The selection includes a compact 45W charger with an adjustable display for $29.99, which offers near-maximum speeds. For peak performance, Apple’s 60W adapter charges the device to 50% in 15 minutes for $34.99. The Anker Nano 70W provides versatile multi-device charging for laptops and phones at $39.99. For desk setups, the ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 stand supports 25W MagSafe with active cooling for $99.99. Additionally, the Belkin 10000mAh UltraCharge Pro offers portable MagSafe charging with a kickstand and display. These recommendations cater to users seeking efficiency, versatility, or convenience, ensuring optimal power management for the latest iPhone model through carefully selected third-party and official Apple accessories available on major retail platforms.

💡 The iPhone 18 Pro’s charging ecosystem demands specific hardware to unlock maximum speed, making informed accessory selection critical for performance. Users must choose between compact convenience and high-wattage capability to optimize their daily power routine.

wired.com · Sep 12

The Best 3-in-1 Apple Charging Stations After Testing 30+ Models

The article reviews 30+ 3‑in‑1 Apple charging stations, highlighting the Belkin 3‑in‑1 Qi2 Charging Stand as the overall best. The stand suspends an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, offering up to 15‑W iPhone charging and fast charging for newer Watch models. It features a rounded base, tiltable iPhone pad, and a permanently attached braided USB‑C cable. The review also mentions other top models such as the Nomad Stand One Max and updates from Nimble, Mophie, Journey, and OtterBox. Prices range from $80 to $169, with a 2‑year warranty on the Belkin.

💡 By consolidating three essential Apple devices into a single dock, the Belkin stand reduces cable clutter and streamlines home or office setups, addressing a common pain point for Apple users.

9to5mac.com · Sep 12

Apple nailed iPhone Duo split screen, even as iPad multitasking feels convoluted

Apple recently unveiled its new iPhone lineup, headlined by the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone. The device introduces a refined multitasking system that allows users to split-screen an app while simultaneously viewing the full home screen to select additional applications. Users can also save app pairs for quick access and uniquely split-screen video playback with other apps, features currently absent on iPad devices. In contrast, iPadOS 26 and 27 maintain a convoluted windowing system that forces an all-or-nothing approach to multitasking. Although split-screen and slideover were reintroduced in later updates, they still require navigating the complex windowing interface. The iPhone Duo’s elegant software implementation highlights a significant disparity in user experience between Apple’s mobile and tablet platforms. Critics argue that integrating the iPhone Duo’s simpler multitasking logic into iPadOS would greatly benefit iPad users, particularly those on smaller devices like the iPad mini, without removing existing windowing capabilities.

💡 The iPhone Duo proves Apple possesses the engineering capability to deliver intuitive multitasking, yet it withholds this streamlined experience from its tablet ecosystem. This inconsistency creates a fragmented user journey where the simpler, more effective interface remains exclusive to the new foldable phone.

9to5mac.com · Sep 12

Indie App Spotlight: ‘Farwave’ lets you listen to radio stations around the…

Farwave, a new indie audio application for iOS 18 and later, introduces a unique 3D globe interface for exploring global radio stations. Users can rotate the virtual planet to select specific regions or utilize a random selection feature. Beyond live radio, the app organizes podcasts and local music files on separate visual planets, supporting RSS feeds, playback queues, adjustable speeds, and offline downloads. While the base app is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, Farwave Pro offers advanced features for $2.99 monthly or $14.99 annually. The application does not support Apple Music integration but allows users to import audio files from their computer or the Files app. Each artist’s music is represented by a distinct signal within the interface. This release is part of 9to5Mac’s weekly Indie App Spotlight series, highlighting innovative independent software. The app aims to provide an immersive, visually distinct alternative to traditional audio players, emphasizing exploration and offline accessibility for diverse content types.

💡 Farwave transforms passive audio consumption into an interactive visual experience, distinguishing itself from standard streaming services through its unique 3D globe interface. This approach appeals to users seeking novelty and discovery over algorithmic recommendations.

techradar.com · Sep 12

ICYMI: the 7 biggest tech stories of the week, from Apple’s iPhone…

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable handset, marking a major hardware shift for the company. Nintendo delivered two separate Direct presentations, revealing new titles and hardware updates that expand its console ecosystem. LG faced renewed privacy scrutiny after Gamers Nexus and independent researchers alleged its smart TVs can record audio with the screen off and surveil home environments; LG denied the claims, citing a false video. The week also saw the launch of a brain‑pattern wearable that monitors stress, which sold out its initial batch within days. These stories were highlighted in Future’s weekly roundup, which also included a quiz on the week’s biggest tech events.

💡 A foldable iPhone could redefine Apple’s product line and consumer expectations, while LG’s privacy controversy threatens trust in smart‑home devices.