Apple might be increasing the thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro to accommodate a significant camera enhancement.
Thinness may be sacrificed for a larger battery and enhanced camera system in the upcoming iPhones.
Recently, we got our first significant glimpse of what seems to be the iPhone 18 Pro through leaked drop-test footage from a Tata Electronics facility. The video showcased an unreleased Pro iPhone in a controlled testing environment, and one detail was immediately noticeable: the device appeared to be thicker than the existing iPhone 17 Pro.
Another leak has surfaced, reinforcing this observation. According to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital (via MacRumors), the iPhone 18 Pro models could have a greater thickness compared to the current iPhone 17 Pro lineup. The leaker mentions that Apple will continue to use an aluminum alloy frame, which was introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro, instead of reverting to titanium.
The general claim is that Apple is increasing the thickness of both the main body and rear camera plateau. This change is said to be approximately 2mm, which may not seem significant on paper, but it is considerable for a modern iPhone.
So, what are the changes this time?
Fixed Focus Digital previously suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro models could be between 9.9mm and 10.9mm thick. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max both have a thickness of 8.75mm.
There are a couple of reasons behind the anticipated increase in thickness for the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro models. The first reason is the larger battery. Numerous sources have reported that the iPhone 18 Pro Max, in particular, will feature a bigger battery pack, potentially surpassing what Samsung currently provides in its Galaxy S Ultra flagship device.
The increase in thickness may also be due to the improved camera system, which is expected to include a variable aperture system according to various leaks that have surfaced over the last few months.
Is the added thickness a downside?
A thicker iPhone may frustrate some consumers, especially after years of Apple emphasizing slimness as a key aspect of the iPhone identity. However, if Apple is utilizing the extra space for a larger battery, improved heat dissipation, and a more advanced camera system, the trade-off might be easier to accept.
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Apple might be increasing the thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro to accommodate a significant camera enhancement.
The upcoming Pro iPhone from Apple may feature a notably thicker design, probably because of a larger battery and a speculated variable aperture camera.