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I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max side-by-side: Is it time to upgrade?
tomsguide.com Oct 7, 2026

I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max side-by-side: Is it time to upgrade?

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Tom’s Guide conducted a side‑by‑side test of Apple’s newest flagship, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, against the three‑year‑old iPhone 15 Pro Max to determine whether the generational upgrades justify an upgrade. The review highlights the 6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR display, A20 Pro chip, 12 GB RAM, 48 MP triple‑camera system with variable aperture, 5,391 mAh battery and 60 W wired charging on the 18 Pro Max, compared with the 6.7‑inch screen, A17 Pro processor, 8 GB RAM, 48 MP main camera, 4,422 mAh battery and 20 W wired charging on the 15 Pro Max. Physical dimensions, weight, and IP68 rating also differ. Pricing starts at $1,299 for the newer model versus $1,199 for the older, with identical storage options up to 2 TB. The test evaluates real‑world performance, camera quality, battery life and software features to assess the practical impact of three years of Apple’s development.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The comparison reveals whether Apple’s incremental hardware gains translate into a noticeably better user experience, a key factor for consumers weighing the cost of a premium upgrade after a typical three‑year upgrade cycle.
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You can turn off & delete Apple Intelligence with an app now

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💡 By pairing exclusive book content with the series finale, Apple deepens fan engagement and showcases its cross‑platform strategy, reinforcing the brand’s role as a hub for serialized storytelling.

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smh.com.au · Oct 7

Pornhub returns for Australians, but only if Apple says you’re over 18

Pornhub has restored explicit content for Australian iPhone and iPad users who have verified their age through Apple’s device‑level system, after a seven‑month pause during which the site offered a stripped‑down, non‑pornographic version. The change follows the eSafety Commissioner’s Age‑Restricted Material Codes, which require high‑risk services to confirm users are over 18 before displaying pornographic material, with penalties up to $49.5 million for violations. The Canadian parent company Aylo cited Apple’s updated age‑verification process as a robust safeguard, noting it protects children without burdening adults. Android and desktop users remain unaffected.

💡 The move signals a shift toward device‑controlled age verification, potentially setting a new standard for how adult‑content platforms comply with national regulations. It also underscores the growing influence of operating‑system policies on content accessibility.

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appleinsider.com · Oct 7

Amazon slashes Apple Watch Ultra 3 to $599 for Prime Big Deal…

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9to5mac.com · Oct 7

Apple overtakes Samsung to lead European carrier smartphone sales in Q2, per…

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appleinsider.com · Oct 7

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