iPhone 17 Pro Max
Last updated: August 26, 2025
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be the most significant iPhone upgrade in years, with groundbreaking design changes, revolutionary camera improvements, and performance enhancements that could redefine flagship smartphones. After analyzing hundreds of leaks, insider reports, and supply chain information, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about this highly anticipated device.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: September 9, 2025 announcement, September 19 general availability
- Prix de départ: $1,249 (likely $50 increase from iPhone 16 Pro Max)
- Major Changes: Horizontal camera bar, aluminum frame return, 5,000mAh battery
- New Features: 48MP telephoto camera, 12GB RAM, A19 Pro chip, improved cooling system
iPhone 17 Pro Max Release Date: When Can You Get It?
Multiple industry sources point to September 9, 2025 as the official announcement date for the iPhone 17 series. As per reports, iPhone 17 series could be launched on September 9, while the pre-orders for the phones could begin from September 12. The sale is likely to begin from September 19.
This timeline aligns perfectly with Apple’s traditional iPhone launch schedule:
- September 9, 2025: Apple Event announcement
- 12 septembre 2025: Pre-orders begin
- 19 septembre 2025: General availability in stores
Apple is expected to hold its annual iPhone announcement event during the week of September 8, 2025, with September 9 or 10 emerging as the most likely dates. German carrier leaks have specifically pointed to Tuesday, September 9 as the event date.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Price: What to Expect
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely see a price increase over its predecessor. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to start at approximately $1,249 in the United States, or £1,199 in the United Kingdom, representing a $50 increase from the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s $1,199 starting price.
Expected Pricing Structure:
- 256 GO: $1,249 (likely starting tier)
- 512GB: $1,449
- 1TB: $1,649
- 2TB: $1,849 (possible new tier)
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple is mulling over a price hike on the iPhone 17 models. And an analyst report claims price hikes of $50 on each model due to increased component costs and potential tariff impacts.
Revolutionary Design Changes: From Titanium to Aluminum
Material Revolution
Le iPhone 17 Pro Max marks Apple’s surprising return to aluminum construction. Apple could eliminate the titanium frame that it’s used for the last several years, instead transitioning back to using aluminum for the Pro models, while the new iPhone 17 Air may actually receive the titanium treatment.
The Game-Changing Camera Bar Design
Perhaps the most dramatic visual change is the new horizontal camera system. leaked CAD designs have suggested that Apple is extending that array across the length of the iPhone 17 Pro, creating a Google Pixel-like camera bar that spans the entire width of the device.
Key Design Elements:
- Horizontal camera bar stretching across the back
- Triangular lens arrangement in the left corner
- Half-aluminum, half-glass rear design
- Enhanced durability with wireless charging capability maintained
Color Options and Finishes
Apple will offer the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in a new orange color, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The complete color lineup is expected to include:
- Black Titanium (returning)
- White Titanium
- Natural Gray
- Bleu foncé
- Orange (new)
Display Technology: Refinement Over Revolution
Screen Size and Specifications
The iPhone 17 Pro Max maintains its 6.9-inch display size, matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, significant improvements are expected beneath the surface.
Display Features:
- Taille: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Résolution: 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi)
- Taux de rafraîchissement: 120Hz ProMotion with LTPO technology
- Luminosité maximale: Up to 3,000 nits (rumored improvement)
- Dynamic Island: Potentially smaller due to metalens technology
Dynamic Island Reduction
The iPhone 17 Pro Max may have a smaller dynamic island. Rumors have changed back and forth—Jeff Pu said the dynamic island (or rather, the hardware “pill” that the island surrounds) will be smaller in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though this remains one of the more contentious rumors.
Camera System: The Biggest Upgrade in Years
48MP Telephoto Revolution
The most significant camera improvement is the telephoto lens upgrade. The Telephoto lens is supposed to get upgraded to 48 megapixels, and there are rumors that the lens might be able to switch from 5x zoom to 8x zoom.
Spécifications complètes de l'appareil photo :
- Caméra principale: 48MP with improved light gathering
- Ultra-Wide: 48MP with enhanced corner sharpness
- Telephoto: 48MP with 8x optical zoom (up from 5x)
- Caméra frontale24MP (doublé par rapport à 12MP)
Professional Camera Features
The iPhone 17 Pro could support shooting 8K video, up from the current 4K recording maximum. The iPhone 17 Pro models might offer dual video recording, a feature that would allow users to record video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously.
Additional rumored camera features include:
- Variable mechanical aperture for depth control
- Enhanced Night mode with larger sensors
- Professional camera app with manual controls
- LiDAR improvements for better AR experiences
Performance: A19 Pro Chip and RAM Upgrade
Next-Generation Processing Power
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to debut with Apple’s next-gen A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 3nm process for improved performance and power efficiency.
A19 Pro Chip Specifications:
- Manufacturing Process: TSMC N3P (3rd-gen 3nm)
- UNITÉ CENTRALE: Enhanced performance and efficiency cores
- GPU: Improved graphics with ray tracing
- Moteur neuronal: Advanced AI processing for Apple Intelligence
Memory and Storage
Additionally, Apple is rumored to increase the RAM from 8GB to 12GB LPDDR5, significantly boosting multitasking capabilities. This represents a 50% increase in memory, crucial for advanced AI features and professional workflows.
Options de stockage :
- 256GB (likely new starting tier)
- 512GB
- 1TB
- 2TB (rumored new tier)
Battery Life: The 5,000mAh Milestone
Record-Breaking Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro Max battery is said to be around 5,000mAh, from the Weibo account Instant Digital. This would be the biggest iPhone battery ever, and about 8% more capacity than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Spécifications de la batterie :
- Capacity: ~5,000mAh (vs 4,685mAh in iPhone 16 Pro Max)
- Design: Dual-stacked battery technology
- Life: Expected 2+ days moderate usage
- Charging: 35W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless
Advanced Thermal Management
The iPhone 17 lineup will feature a vapor chamber heatsink to improve thermal performance, according to one report. Vapor chamber technology is already used in many high-end Android devices.
Connectivity: Apple’s In-House Wi-Fi 7 Chip
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip for the first time, marking Apple’s continued push toward component independence.
Connectivity Features:
- Wi-Fi 7: Apple’s custom chip design
- 5G: Enhanced Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem
- Bluetooth: Latest standard with improved efficiency
- USB-C: Thunderbolt 4 support expected
iOS 26: The Software Experience
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will launch with iOS 26, featuring Apple’s most significant visual redesign in years. Apple has taken the wraps off iOS 26, previewing the software during its WWDC 2025 event. This software will almost certainly appear on the iPhone 17 Pro when the phone ships, and it delivers a new Liquid Glass design.
iOS 26 Key Features:
- Liquid Glass Design: Transparent, modern interface
- L'intelligence d'Apple améliorée: Improved AI integration
- Communication Improvements: Advanced messaging features
- Pro Camera App: Professional photography tools
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Key Differences
Major Upgrades
- Design: Horizontal camera bar vs square module
- Appareil photo: 48MP telephoto with 8x zoom vs 12MP with 5x zoom
- Batterie: 5,000mAh vs 4,685mAh
- RAM: 12GB vs 8GB
- Processeur: A19 Pro vs A18 Pro
- Materials: Aluminum frame vs titanium frame
What Stays the Same
- Taille de l'affichage: 6.9 inches on both models
- Taux de rafraîchissement: 120Hz ProMotion
- Charging Port: USB-C
- Face ID: Same security system
Should You Wait for iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Reasons to Wait
- Significantly improved camera system with 8x optical zoom
- Much larger 5,000mAh battery for extended use
- 12GB RAM for future-proofing and AI features
- New design language with horizontal camera bar
- Enhanced cooling system for sustained performance
Reasons to Buy iPhone 16 Pro Max Now
- Available immediately with proven performance
- Slightly lighter due to titanium construction
- Price will likely drop when iPhone 17 launches
- Mature software with fewer potential bugs
iPhone 17 Air: The Ultra-Thin Alternative
Apple’s introducing a fourth model, the iPhone 17 Air, as a new device option in the lineup replacing the Plus model. Key specifications include:
- Thickness: Just 5.5mm (vs 8.25mm for current Pro models)
- Affichage: 6.6-inch LTPO OLED
- Appareil photo: Single 48MP rear camera
- Prix: Expected around $899-$949
Production and Availability
Apple Inc has not made any official announcement related to features, prices and launch date of iPhone 17 series, but manufacturing is already underway. Supply chain reports suggest strong initial production volumes, indicating Apple expects high demand.
Global Availability:
- Vague 1: US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan (September 19)
- Vague 2: Additional markets (October 2025)
- India Pricing: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be priced at around Rs 1,65,000 in the Indian market
Accessories and Cases
Apple is reportedly developing new “TechWoven” cases to replace the poorly-received FineWoven line. Apple is planning to launch a new “TechWoven” line of cases for the iPhone 17 series, featuring improved durability and better tactile feedback.
Expected accessories include:
- TechWoven cases in multiple colors
- MagSafe chargers with faster 25W speeds
- Professional camera accessories
- Enhanced screen protectors for new anti-glare coating
Competition Analysis: How It Stacks Up
vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Affichage: Similar 6.9″ vs 6.8″ OLED screens
- Appareil photo: iPhone’s 8x optical vs Samsung’s 10x optical zoom
- Batterie: iPhone’s 5,000mAh matches Samsung’s capacity
- Prix: iPhone likely $50 less expensive at launch
vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Caractéristiques de l'IA: Both focus heavily on computational photography
- Design: Similar horizontal camera bar approach
- Logiciel: iOS 26 vs Android 15 with Pixel features
- Intégration: iPhone’s ecosystem advantage remains strong
Questions fréquemment posées
When will the iPhone 17 Pro Max be announced?
Apple’s next big event is less than a month away, with September 9, 2025 being the most likely announcement date based on multiple carrier leaks and Apple’s traditional timing.
How much will the iPhone 17 Pro Max cost?
The starting price is expected to be $1,249 for the 256GB model, representing a $50 increase from the iPhone 16 Pro Max due to component costs and improved specifications.
What’s the biggest change from iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The horizontal camera bar design represents the most visible change, while the internal improvements include a larger 5,000mAh battery, 12GB RAM, and 48MP telephoto camera with 8x optical zoom.
Will the iPhone 17 Pro Max have better battery life?
Yes, with a 5,000mAh battery (vs 4,685mAh in iPhone 16 Pro Max) plus the more efficient A19 Pro chip, expect significantly improved battery life – potentially over 2 days of moderate usage.
Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max worth waiting for over the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
If you value cutting-edge camera technology, maximum battery life, and the latest design, yes. However, if you need a phone now, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains excellent and will likely see price cuts after the iPhone 17 launches.
What colors will be available?
Expected colors include Black, White, Natural Gray, Dark Blue, and a new Orange option, though the exact finish materials may differ from previous titanium models.
Will there be a smaller iPhone 17 Pro?
Yes, the iPhone 17 Pro will have a 6.3-inch display (up from 6.1 inches on iPhone 16 Pro) with most of the same features as the Pro Max, except for the largest battery capacity.
How does the camera compare to current flagship phones?
The 48MP telephoto with 8x optical zoom would be competitive with the best Android flagships, while the rumored variable aperture and professional camera app could give iPhone a significant advantage for content creators.
Final Verdict: A Generational Leap Forward
The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents Apple’s most ambitious iPhone upgrade in recent years. From the controversial but potentially brilliant horizontal camera bar to the long-awaited 5,000mAh battery, this device addresses many of the criticisms leveled at previous models while pushing forward with new design language.
For users of iPhone 14 Pro Max or older devices, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will deliver transformational improvements in battery life, camera capabilities, and overall performance. iPhone 15 Pro Max users may find the upgrades compelling enough to justify an annual upgrade, particularly if they heavily use the camera system or need maximum battery life.
The return to aluminum construction may surprise some, but it likely serves multiple purposes: cost management, thermal performance, and differentiation from the new iPhone 17 Air’s premium titanium build. Combined with the half-glass, half-aluminum rear design, it creates a unique aesthetic that should stand out in the market.
While we await official confirmation from Apple, the consistency of leaks from multiple reliable sources suggests most of these features will materialize. The iPhone 17 Pro Max appears positioned to reclaim Apple’s position as the undisputed flagship smartphone leader, combining the best of proven iPhone DNA with bold new innovations that could influence the entire industry.
Whether you’re a professional photographer, content creator, or simply want the most capable iPhone ever made, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be worth the wait – and the premium price.
This article will be updated as new information becomes available. Follow our coverage for the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max news and leaks.
