Earlier this fall, the iPhone Air was released to great fanfare, sporting a body just 5.6mm thick and weighing just 165g (5.8oz), making it, by some distance, the lightest smartphone Apple has ever released. But reports suggest that customers was not conquered.
Perhaps Apple should take this as a sign that lightweight phones aren't necessary. And a new report claims that next year's batch will include what is essentially the anti-iPhone Air: the heaviest iPhone Apple has ever made.
Weibo Instant Digital account yesterday published about the iPhone 18 Pro Max, scheduled to launch in September 2026, and predicted that it would weigh more than 240g (roughly 8.5 ounces). This will put it ahead of the 240g iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max phones, which together hold the record. It further clarifies that the device will be approximately 10g heavier and slightly thicker than its predecessor 17 Pro Max.
“Apple finally gets it,” the account adds (via Google translation). “Don't worry about online opinions about thinner, lighter or mini models; they won’t sell unless you cram everything into them… Users won’t stop buying just because they’re heavy.”
Of course, it seems like they won't want to buy just because it's lightweight. Buyers judge by features, not size, and the iPhone 18 series coming next year should have a lot to offer in that regard. With ten months to go, details remain murky, but we're already hearing that a camera upgrade and a smaller Dynamic Island, as well as a super-powerful 2nm process, are on the way. Chip A20 and new modems. And the 18 Pro Max will of course have the best battery life, far superior to the iPhone Air's battery life.
For all the latest news and rumors as we inexorably approach autumn 2026, check our regularly updated iPhone 18 super guide. Or, if you can't wait that long, read our guide to best iPhone deals to ensure you are getting the lowest price in the current range.
