Apple’s next-generation iPhone 18 Pro models could feature a noticeably thicker design, with fresh reports suggesting the company is prioritising battery life and camera improvements over creating an ultra-thin handset.

New information shared by Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital, and reported by MacRumors, claims the iPhone 18 Pro range will retain the aluminium alloy frame first introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro rather than reverting to titanium. The leak also suggests Apple plans to increase the thickness of both the phone’s chassis and its rear camera housing.

The reported change follows recently surfaced footage, believed to have been captured during durability testing at a Tata Electronics manufacturing facility, which appeared to show an unreleased iPhone 18 Pro. Observers noted that the prototype looked visibly thicker than the current iPhone 17 Pro.

According to the latest claims, the iPhone 18 Pro models could measure between 9.9 mm and 10.9 mm thick. By comparison, the existing iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are both 8.75 mm thick, making the difference significant by modern smartphone standards.

One of the main reasons for the larger dimensions is expected to be a higher-capacity battery. Previous rumours have suggested Apple is preparing a substantial battery upgrade for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, potentially giving it one of the largest battery capacities available in a flagship smartphone and allowing it to compete more directly with leading Android devices.

The revised design is also believed to accommodate a more advanced camera system. Several reports over recent months have pointed to Apple introducing a variable aperture camera, allowing the lens to adjust the amount of light entering the sensor. This could improve image quality across a wider range of lighting conditions while offering photographers greater creative control.

While some users may be disappointed by a thicker handset after years of Apple promoting slim designs, the additional internal space could deliver practical advantages. A larger battery may improve overall battery life, while extra room inside the device could also enhance thermal management during demanding tasks and support more capable camera hardware.

Apple has not confirmed any details relating to the iPhone 18 range, and all current specifications remain based on industry rumours and supply chain leaks.