Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max adds bigger battery but raises price by $100
Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at its 'Surprise and shine' event, featuring the A20 Pro chip, an adjustable camera aperture with AI features, and a larger vapor chamber. The standout upgrade is battery life, with the Pro Max rated for 45 hours of video playback versus 39 hours on last year's model, plus faster wired and wireless charging. Starting at $1,299 for 256GB, the new phone costs $100 more than its predecessor at launch.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The battery gains are real, but for most everyday users who aren't streaming video for hours, the practical difference may be minimal compared to last year's already strong performer. With a CNET survey showing more consumers prioritize lower prices over marginal battery gains, Apple's incremental pricing strategy could face pushback from budget-conscious buyers.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max offers 45 hours of video playback, up from 39 hours on the 17 Pro Max
- Starting price rises to $1,299 for 256GB, a $100 increase over last year
- Surveyed consumers favor cheaper phones over marginal battery improvements
Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K — If you're sticking with last year's iPhone instead of chasing the iPhone 18 Pro Max's beastly battery, a magnetic power bank closes the gap for a lot less. Anker's MagGo snaps right onto the back of your iPhone for cable-free topping up, with a built-in kickstand for watching video while it charges.
See Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Dashia Milden, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “The iPhone 18 Pro Max’s Battery Is a Beast, but Save $100 and Stick to Last Year’s Model”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.