iPhone 18 Pro Max dummies hint at case compatibility with iPhone 17 Pro Max despite thicker camera bump

Recent leaks of metal dummy units for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max suggest that while the device will have a noticeably thicker camera bumpexisting cases from the iPhone 17 Pro Max may still fit the new model, though compatibility remains uncertain.

Camera Bump Design Changes

The iPhone 18 Pro Max features a significantly thicker camera plateau compared to its predecessor. According to detailed measurements from YouTuber Vadim Yuryev of Max Tech:

• Total thickness with camera lenses: Increases from 12.92mm on iPhone 17 Pro Max to 13.77mm on iPhone 18 Pro Max
• Camera plateau thickness: Grows from 11.23mm to 11.54mm
• Individual lens protrusion: Increases by 0.54mmwith lenses protruding nearly a full millimeter further
• Lens diameter: Expands from 16.15mm to 16.5mmreducing empty space between sensors

The thicker camera bump is likely a result of the rumored 48MP variable aperture lens design for the main camera, which could improve low-light performance and image quality.

Physical Dimensions

The iPhone 18 Pro Max maintains overall dimensions similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with only slight increases:

• Height: Increases by 0.36mm
• Width: Increases by 0.39mm
• Base chassis thickness: Remains around 8.75mm

These minimal dimension changes suggest that existing iPhone 17 Pro Max cases might still fit, but the thicker camera bump could cause issues with cases designed for the previous model.

Case Compatibility Concerns

While the leaked cases look identical to iPhone 17 Pro cases, they may not be fully compatible due to the camera bump differences. The increased lens protrusion and thicker plateau could mean:

• Cases might not close properly around the camera area
• The phone could sit unevenly in existing cases
• Camera protection might be compromised

Users upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro Max should consider purchasing a new case specifically designed for the device to ensure proper fit and protection, especially given the significant camera bump changes.