Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max lines up the September 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Max with the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, camera hardware, and battery.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 18 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 3,000 nits peak, always-onLeads | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-on |
| Chip | A20 ProLeads | A18 Pro |
| Memory | Not published | Not published |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TBTie | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP main with variable aperture f/1.48–f/4, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality)Leads | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto |
| Optical zoom | 4x | 5xLeads |
| Front camera | 18MP Center Stage | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 45 hours video playbackLeads | up to 33 hours video playback |
| Charging | 50% in about 15 minutes wired. 50% in 30 minutes wirelessLeads | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W |
| Weight | 249 g | 227 gLeads |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window |
| Launch price | $1,299 launch price | $1,199 launch priceLeads |
| Software | iOS 27 | iOS 18 at launch |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G (C2 modem), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want iOS 27. It leads on display, chip, camera hardware, battery, and charging.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on optical zoom, weight, and launch price.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 18 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max?
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, camera hardware, and battery.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on battery. iPhone 18 Pro Max: up to 45 hours video playback. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. iPhone 18 Pro Max: 48MP main with variable aperture f/1.48–f/4, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality). iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max cost at launch?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on launch price. iPhone 18 Pro Max: $1,299 launch price. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max technical specifications
- Apple newsroom, September 9, 2026
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications