This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
A case protects most of an iPhone 18 Pro Max, but on the Pro models a large area around the camera is still exposed. I covered it with ClearView’s 9H anti-glare back film. After using the same type of film on my iPhone 17 Pro Max for about a year, the old film had real scratches on it. On the burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max, the anti-glare finish also helps hide fingerprints and smudges. Prices start at around ¥1,000, which feels worth it for a phone this expensive.
What I tested
- ClearView back protection film for iPhone 18 Pro Max, high-hardness 9H, anti-glare type: from around ¥1,000 at the time of recording
- The listing says 9H hardness, anti-glare, reduced reflections, bubble-free application and made in Japan
- Applied to the exposed camera area of a burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max, then checked with a case and a MagSafe ring
- Compared it with the same type of film I had used on my iPhone 17 Pro Max for about a year
What I found
- The exposed area is real: with a case on, the camera surround is left open. Putting the phone on a desk or sliding it into a bag or pocket can leave fine scratches, marks from metal objects, dust scuffs, fingerprints and skin oil there.
- Burgundy shows smudges: it is a lovely colour, but fingerprints and oil around the camera look like blotchy patches. That is why I chose anti-glare rather than glossy.
- A year of use left marks: the film from my iPhone 17 Pro Max had fine scratches on its surface. I can’t say every one of them would have reached the phone, but the film was clearly taking the rubbing and knocks. This is the kind of accessory whose value only shows after a long time.
- Easy to align: the film is cut to the shape of the camera, so you line it up using the lenses. That is much easier than aligning a full screen protector. Clean the surface first so no dust gets under it.
- The look changes a little: anti-glare cuts reflections and gives the surface a calmer, matte look. On my burgundy phone, the colour looked slightly deeper after applying it. If you love the original gloss, a non-anti-glare film may suit you better.
- Fingerprints are much less obvious: I bought it mainly for scratch protection, but keeping the phone looking clean day to day turned out to be just as useful.
- Barely visible with a case: once the case is on, you hardly notice the film at all, so it protects without changing how the phone looks.
- Different job from a lens cover: lens covers protect the lenses themselves. This film protects the flat area around the camera that the case leaves open. You can use both if you want maximum coverage.
- Best with a case: the case covers the sides and back, a screen protector covers the display, and this film fills in the camera area.
- Resale: if you trade in or sell your iPhone every year or two, fewer scratches help. The film won’t guarantee a better price, but it is an easy way to avoid everyday scuffs.
- Older film: I also tried a film I had bought for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and in my case it fitted the 18 Pro Max well. That is only my result, not official compatibility, so buy one sold for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Who it’s for
This is for you if you want to keep your iPhone 18 Pro Max looking as clean as possible, worry about scratches on the exposed camera area, are bothered by fingerprints on the burgundy finish, like a calm anti-glare texture, plan to sell or trade in the phone later, or want an inexpensive way to extend your protection. It is made in Japan, so availability outside Japan may be limited.
The video is in Japanese.
Limitations
Anti-glare film changes the look slightly, and on my burgundy phone the colour appeared a bit deeper. It covers the flat area around the camera, not the lenses themselves. The year-long comparison was on an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the scratches I saw were on the film, so I can’t say how many would have reached the phone. Prices are what I saw in Japan at the time of recording.
Products
ClearView back protection film for iPhone 18 Pro Max (9H, anti-glare): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Screen & Lens Protectors (27) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.