The iPhone 18 Pro Max is a larger-storage, newer-generation phone with an A20 Pro chip and a 6.9-inch display; the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display, A16 Bionic, and a lower 128GB entry tier. Apple announced a U.S. starting price of $1,299 for the 18 Pro Max, but that does not establish how much more it costs than a 14 Pro Max today: a current, like-for-like 14 Pro Max price is needed to calculate the difference.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro Max specs
Apple’s specifications show four model years between the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro Max and the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Max. The table compares the published details relevant to choosing between them; it does not imply independent performance or battery testing.
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| Specification | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2022 | 2026 |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED; 2796 × 1290 pixels; 460 ppi; ProMotion up to 120Hz | 6.9-inch OLED; 2868 × 1320 pixels; 460 ppi; ProMotion up to 120Hz |
| Chip | A16 Bionic; 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | A20 Pro |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Body | Stainless-steel design; 240g | Aluminum unibody; 249g |
| Main camera details established here | 48MP main camera | 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture |
| U.S. price information | Current retail or resale price not established | $1,299 announced U.S. starting price |
What changes in the display and design?
The 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, compared with 6.7 inches on the 14 Pro Max. The listed pixel density is the same at 460 ppi, as is the maximum adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz. The newer phone therefore offers a larger screen, not a higher listed pixel density or refresh-rate ceiling.
Apple lists the 18 Pro Max at 249g, nine grams heavier than the 240g 14 Pro Max, despite the change from stainless steel to an aluminum unibody. Whether the larger display and added weight feel preferable is a handling choice, especially if you use your phone one-handed or carry it for long periods.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Both models are listed with IP68 resistance under IEC 60529 testing. Apple cautions that water resistance can diminish with normal wear and that liquid damage is not covered under warranty. This rating should not be treated as a guarantee against water damage.
How do the chips and battery compare?
The 14 Pro Max uses Apple’s A16 Bionic, with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. The 18 Pro Max uses A20 Pro. That establishes a newer chip generation, but the specifications alone do not show how much faster the newer phone is in everyday use.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Apple promotes the 18 Pro Max’s performance and battery life, but no controlled, independent comparison with a used 14 Pro Max is established here. Battery condition matters when comparing an older individual phone: a well-maintained 14 Pro Max and one with a heavily worn battery are not equivalent. Do not infer a specific speed or battery-life improvement from the chip names or marketing claims.
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What is different about the cameras?
Apple lists the 14 Pro Max with a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 12MP 2× telephoto option enabled by the quad-pixel sensor, and a 12MP 3× telephoto camera. Apple’s announcement identifies a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture on the 18 Pro Max. That supports a specific difference in the main camera, but not a complete module-by-module comparison or a claim that one phone produces better photos in every situation.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
How much more is the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Apple announced a U.S. starting price of $1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026. That is the new model’s announced starting price, not a current transaction price or a measured price difference against the 14 Pro Max. A current 14 Pro Max retail or resale price is not established in the reviewed official sources, so an exact live difference cannot be calculated.
To make a useful comparison, match the country, storage capacity and condition, and note the seller and date. Compare new with new or used with used where possible; include warranty differences in your decision. Keep trade-in and carrier credits separate from the device price so a conditional promotion does not look like the phone’s ordinary cost.
Rank #4
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Apple’s September 2026 announcement describes U.S. Apple Trade In instant credit of $175–$885 for eligible iPhone 13 or later devices, and selected-carrier credits of up to $1,200 for an iPhone 14 or later in any condition. Eligibility and offer terms apply. These figures are promotional credits, not guaranteed cash values or an estimate of what a 14 Pro Max will sell for.
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The 14 Pro Max starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB. The 18 Pro Max starts at 256GB and adds a 2TB option. If your existing phone is running short on space, the newer lineup’s higher minimum capacity may matter; if your usage fits comfortably within your current storage, the model change alone does not require buying more.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is activated with an eSIM and does not support a physical SIM, according to Apple Support. Check that your carrier and plan support eSIM before switching, particularly if you rely on a physical SIM or move a SIM between devices.
Apple says the 18 Pro Max box includes the phone and a 1m USB-C charging cable, but no power adapter or EarPods. You may need a compatible USB-C adapter if you do not already have one.
Should you upgrade from iPhone 14 Pro Max?
Upgrade if the specific changes solve a problem
- You want the larger 6.9-inch display and are comfortable with the 249g body.
- You need more storage than the 14 Pro Max’s 1TB maximum, or want 256GB as the new model’s entry capacity.
- You specifically want the announced variable-aperture main camera feature, while understanding that the details here do not establish a full camera-system advantage.
- Your carrier supports eSIM and you are prepared to compare the new phone’s price against a current offer for your exact market and storage.
Keep the 14 Pro Max if it still meets your needs
- Your current phone’s display, storage and camera capabilities are sufficient.
- You would be paying a substantial net cost for changes that do not address a specific need.
- You prefer a lighter phone or need physical-SIM support.
Before deciding, get a current quote for your 14 Pro Max at its exact storage and condition, then compare it with the 18 Pro Max in the same market. Treat trade-in or carrier credits as separate line items, and check the terms rather than assuming the maximum advertised credit applies.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Apple Newsroom: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max announcement, September 9, 2026
- Apple technical specifications for iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Apple technical specifications for iPhone 18 Pro Max
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
