Latest iPhone 18 Pro Max Dummies Suggest Thicker Camera Plateau, More Protruding Lenses
Source: MacRumors
New dummy units suggest a thicker camera plateau
Apple is expected to bring several camera enhancements to the iPhone 18 Pro models this year, but there have been no fixed rumors suggesting these upgrades will require measurable, visible changes to the device’s rear camera plateau. Yet a new series of dummies suggests exactly that.
YouTube channel Max Tech’s Vadim Yuryev recently shared images of dummy units for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max – as well as Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone. Dummy units are typically created by third‑party case makers based on information that leaks out of Apple’s partner factories.
Yuryev says the dummy units have “much thicker cameras… The black glass on the cameras protrudes a bit more too.” He also notes the camera plateau itself is “a bit thicker” than on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, providing the image above for comparison. The silver unit is the iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy, while the blue is an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy. Other than the rear triple‑lens camera system, the two devices’ dimensions are said to be extremely similar – same thickness, but a slight height (+0.36 mm) and width (+0.39 mm) increase on the 18 Pro Max unit.
Yuryev stands by the accuracy of the iPhone 18 Pro dummies, claiming they should be “spot on” like the iPhone 17 Pro dummy units he received last year, presumably from the same source.
Potential camera upgrades
- The main camera in the iPhone 18 Pro could have a variable aperture, giving users more control over exposure, lighting, and depth of field.
- The telephoto lens might feature a larger aperture, improving performance in low‑light conditions.
- At least one iPhone 18 Pro model could include a new three‑layer stacked image sensor developed by Samsung, which would make the camera more responsive, reduce noise, and increase dynamic range.
Will any of these upgrades necessitate a larger camera module? Theoretically, but no leak has explicitly said the lenses on either 18 Pro model will stick out more or that the camera plateau will get thicker. It’s especially surprising given that the industry is actively targeting flat or near‑flush camera systems in future devices, but Apple could well be taking a different tack.
We’ll know for sure when the devices arrive around mid‑September alongside the company’s first foldable iPhone.