The iPhone 18 Pro Max could have been called the 17S Pro Max. It brings a chip update, minor camera tweaks, and new colors. But amid a global memory chip shortage, Apple is asking $100/€150/£100 more than last year's 17 Pro Max.

The unboxing is minimal: just a USB-C cable. We got the burgundy model, a dark red shade that plays well with lighting. The glass back is now color-matched to the metal frame, giving a uniform look.

In hand, it feels heavy. At 249 grams, it's the heaviest Pro Max yet—just 6 grams lighter than the iPhone Duo folding phone. The new variable aperture on the main cam (f/1.48 vs f/4.0) is a cool party trick, but we're not sold on its practicality.

Otherwise, it feels like last year's 17 Pro Max, except for a slightly narrower Dynamic Island. Our full review is coming soon.