Apple’s next flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to launch in September 2025 with major design and feature updates. Rumors point to a refreshed rear design (possibly a horizontal camera bump), new materials like a partial aluminum/titanium build, and upgraded internals including the next-generation A19 Pro chipset and a beefy 12GB of RAM.
This article rounds up everything known about the iPhone 17 Pro Max – from design, display, and performance to camera, battery, MagSafe, and connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, satellite). We also compare it side-by-side with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Plus, we highlight unique features like rumored titanium edges, a periscope telephoto lens, and new color options.
Design and Build
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to carry a similar footprint as the 16 Pro Max (around 6.9 inches display) with no major size changes. However, Apple is rumored to significantly revamp the rear design. Early reports suggest a move to a two-tone back: one half glass and one half metal (likely aluminum) for added durability. In fact, leaks indicate Apple may eliminate the titanium frame used in current Pro models and return to an aluminum frame with a glass section for MagSafe charging. This half-aluminum, half-glass build would reduce breakage risk while still allowing wireless charging (which requires glass).
A major rumor is a new horizontal camera bump that spans the back of the phone. Instead of the square module of past models, the 17 Pro Max may use a larger rectangular bump with lenses arranged side by side. CAD renders and dummy units (see our iPhone 17 design analysis on Android Development Studio) show an elongated bump with three lenses horizontally aligned. This layout would depart from the current vertical triangle arrangement. It’s unclear why Apple would do this, but it could free up internal space or improve camera performance. Note: some leaked renders suggested an oval-shaped bump, and at least one leaker thought the bump might remain square. As with any rumor, the final design may differ.
Unique features tied to the new design include a relocated Apple logo. Reports say the logo may move lower into a break in the MagSafe ring, perhaps allowing a simpler magnet arrangement. Leaked schematics show a MagSafe coil with an open bottom for the logo. This could mean Apple tweaked the MagSafe magnet array on the back compared to previous iPhones. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may be slightly thicker (around 8.725mm vs 8.25mm currently) to accommodate a larger battery. Overall, the new build (half-metal, half-glass) is expected to make the 17 Pro Max more durable and possibly thicker than its predecessor.
Apple often offers new color finishes for Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro line is rumored to include new color variants. One credible leak names a “Sky Blue” (a subtle light blue) as a frontrunner, similar to the M4 MacBook Air Blue. This Sky Blue is lighter than the Sierra Blue of the iPhone 13 Pro. Other possible Pro colors might include new shades of black, silver, or metallic hues. The base iPhone 17 and 17 Air are said to come in nine colors, so the Pro models likely get multiple options as well (we’ll update this as more leaks appear).
Display
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to continue using a large high-end OLED display. Rumors say Apple will enable 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates across the entire 2025 lineup, not just the Pros. This means even the non-Pro iPhones will get a 120Hz panel (though with a less advanced 120Hz implementation on the base models). For the 17 Pro Max specifically, it likely keeps a 6.9-inch display similar to the current model. The panel will almost certainly support HDR and peak brightness around 2000 nits or higher, like the current Ultra Retina displays.
Some reports suggested a new scratch-resistant coating was planned, but that feature reportedly didn’t make it for 2025 due to production issues. Apple may still use Gorilla Glass or similar for durability. Expect OLED or even an upgraded panel with microLED tech rumor just circulating; one thing likely to continue is Always-On Display (iOS 17 enabled it on Pro models), and in 2025 it may expand to all models. There’s talk of a narrower Dynamic Island using new under-screen Face ID tech, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the same island size as current models. In any case, the overall display experience will be top-tier: smooth animations at up to 120Hz, vibrant colors, and possibly improved durability.
Performance: A19 Pro and RAM
At the heart of the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be Apple’s next flagship chip, the A19 Pro. This new processor is rumored to be built on an enhanced 3-nanometer (N3P) process, delivering modest gains in speed and efficiency over the A18 Pro. Expect higher CPU and GPU performance as well as better power efficiency. The A19 Pro will also likely have a beefed-up Neural Engine for on-device AI tasks, as Apple continues to push AI and on-device processing (e.g. Apple Intelligence, Siri improvements, image processing, etc.). In iOS 19, features like AI-powered battery management and image-generation tools will leverage this neural hardware.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also rumored to boost RAM significantly. While the 16 Pro Max has 8GB of RAM, the 17 Pro Max may come with 12GB of RAM. This extra memory will help with multitasking (especially if Stage Manager and other pro features expand to iPhone) and keep more apps in memory. To improve sustained performance, Apple may finally adopt a vapor chamber cooling system in the Pro models. A larger vapor chamber (or copper cooling plate) under the A19 Pro chip would dissipate heat more effectively, preventing thermal throttling during prolonged gaming or video editing.
AI and iOS 19 Features
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will ship with iOS 19, which is expected to bring major design and AI upgrades. Rumors indicate iOS 19 will have a new translucent, “glass-like” interface (similar to visionOS), with a floating tab bar in system apps. Apple is also said to enable Stage Manager multitasking on iPhone for models with USB-C (like all iPhone 15/16/17) when connected to an external display. This could let users run multiple apps simultaneously in a Mac-like windowed mode.
On the AI side, iOS 19 will introduce an AI-powered Battery Saver mode. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports iOS 19 will analyze how you use your iPhone and automatically adjust settings to conserve battery life. This promises longer real-world battery life on the 17 Pro Max, complementing the larger 5000mAh cell (see below). iOS 19 will also expand on Apple’s Messages features: for example, Apple plans to roll out end-to-end encrypted RCS chat support, bringing iMessage-like security to Android message threads. Other iOS 19 features (like new accessibility tools, improved Focus modes, etc.) will enhance the 17 Pro Max experience, but these apply across all iPhones.
On-device AI processing will benefit from the A19 Pro’s neural engine. While Apple hasn’t announced specific Neural Engine specs, past patterns suggest more neural cores and faster machine learning performance. We can expect advanced photo/video processing (smarter HDR, better Night mode), improved Siri intelligence, and features like Live Captions. With both hardware (Neural Engine) and software (Core ML, Apple Intelligence) upgrades, the 17 Pro Max will be geared for AI-powered tasks (similar to how the Galaxy S25 Ultra touts its AI camera engine).
Camera Improvements
The camera system is often the highlight of iPhone Pro models, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to significantly upgrade its optics. All 2025 iPhones are expected to get a 24MP front (selfie) camera, doubling the current 12MP front cam for sharper selfies and video calls. On the back, Apple is poised to make the 17 Pro Max the first iPhone with three 48-megapixel sensors. The Wide and Ultra-Wide cameras were upgraded to 48MP in the iPhone 16 series, and now the Pro models will add a 48MP Telephoto lens as well. This leap in resolution means much finer detail in photos and the ability to crop significantly without losing quality.
Interestingly, one leak suggests the new telephoto setup will offer about 3.5× optical zoom (around 85mm focal length) instead of the 5× (120mm) used today. The theory is that the 48MP sensor allows digital cropping to simulate 5× zoom when needed. In practice, this means portrait shots might be crisper at typical portrait distances, with digital zoom up to 5× still looking good due to the high resolution. It’s worth noting that 5× optical telephoto (via a periscope lens) was already introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The rumor of 3.5× suggests Apple might be optimizing for a balance of portrait and telephoto use. Regardless, this periscope-style telephoto is expected to remain a defining feature for the Pro Max model.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max may also support 8K video recording, an upgrade from the current 4K max. This would align with Android rivals and enable more flexible editing. New video features are rumored too: Apple might finally add dual-video recording in the Camera app, letting users record with the front and back cameras simultaneously (a boon for vloggers). Another tip for videographers is a possible Mechanical Aperture on the main Wide camera. A variable aperture would allow adjusting the depth of field on the fly – for example, letting in more light for low-light shots or narrowing for sharper daylight shots.
Overall, expect subtle but meaningful camera refinements: brighter sensors, more megapixels, and smarter computational photography. Night mode will improve, and Portrait mode will benefit from higher resolution. The front-facing 24MP cam will deliver much clearer FaceTime video. Compared to the 16 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max, the biggest difference will be those 48MP sensors and any new pro video features. We’ll update this section if Apple adds any periscope 10× zoom or other surprises before launch.
Battery, Charging, and MagSafe
Powering all these features, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to pack Apple’s largest battery ever – about 5,000mAh. For context, the 16 Pro Max has a ~4,676mAh cell. Combined with efficiency gains from the A19 Pro and iOS 19’s AI battery optimizations, the larger battery should extend usage significantly (perhaps beyond 33 hours of video playback). Actual battery life will vary, but this suggests longer talk, browsing, and video time versus previous models.
Charging speeds appear set to remain the same as the iPhone 16 series. The 17 Pro Max will likely support up to 35W wired charging (via USB-C). We’ll see MagSafe (wireless) charging around 15W as before. However, one interesting rumor is reverse wireless charging. Apple apparently tested a 7.5W reverse wireless feature, which would let the iPhone charge other devices (AirPods, Apple Watch) by placing them on its back. This feature didn’t make it into current iPhones, but may debut on the 17 series. Another MagSafe-related change: thanks to the relocated Apple logo and new magnet array, the 17 Pro models might tweak the MagSafe ring design. Apple is also expected to continue using Qi2.2 (the latest wireless charging spec) on its MagSafe accessories, enabling up to 50W chargers (though the iPhone itself won’t charge that fast, it’s likely capped at 15W wirelessly).
By maintaining USB-C, the iPhone 17 Pro Max can leverage standard high-speed charging. Users will find charging times similar to the 16 Pro Max. The combination of larger battery and smarter power management promises that even heavy users should see all-day battery life, with extra headroom for stamina apps.
Connectivity and Extra Features
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will support all modern connectivity. Like the iPhone 15/16 Pro Max, it will support 5G on both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands. Unlike the base iPhone 17 models (which reportedly use Apple’s new C1 modem), the Pro models will continue to use Qualcomm modems for full 5G support (including mmWave for very high speeds). Dual-SIM (Nano + eSIM) and global LTE are also expected.
A big upgrade is in Wi-Fi: all 2025 iPhones, including the 17 Pro Max, are said to use Apple’s first custom wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) enables faster throughput (peaks well over 40 Gbps with the right router) and lower latency by simultaneously using 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. The new Apple chip might also better integrate Wi-Fi with 5G and Bluetooth to save battery. This means on a next-gen router, the 17 Pro Max could reach incredibly high Wi-Fi speeds (on the order of multiple gigabits) versus Wi-Fi 6/6E today. Bluetooth will also be at least version 5.3 or 5.4, as expected.
Satellite connectivity (introduced in iPhone 14) will continue. Starting in iOS 18, Apple enabled Messages via Satellite and Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone 14 and later. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, running iOS 19, will certainly support texting via satellite when off-grid. This means even with no cell signal, users can send/receive texts (iMessage or SMS) via satellites in emergencies. (A caveat: it still requires a clear sky view and can be slow.) Apple is expected to keep the current arrangement where these services are free for the first few years, possibly offered via the Messages app. Location and SOS services via satellite (Find My, 911 SOS) will also remain. In short, connectivity on the 17 Pro Max is top-tier: the fastest cellular and Wi-Fi standards, plus emergency satellite support, making it one of the most connected smartphones.
Price and Release Date
Apple is on track to announce the iPhone 17 Pro Max in September 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air. Pre-orders would follow shortly, with the device hitting stores a week or two later. Pricing is not official, but analysts expect the Pro Max to start around $1,199 for the base storage (just like the 16 Pro Max at launch). Some reports suggest Apple’s component costs are rising, so a small price hike (e.g. $100 more) is possible. However, Apple will likely wrap the new features and improvements into the launch narrative. If they do increase prices, it might be around the risk of tariffs rather than feature justification.
For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max launched in 2023 at $1,199 (256GB), and the Galaxy S25 Ultra started at $1,299 (256GB). Samsung has already released the S25 Ultra in early 2025, and Apple typically holds the high-end pricing line (though sometimes raises). We’ll update this section if any leaks on official pricing emerge.
Below is a quick specs comparison table for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, its two predecessors, and Samsung’s flagship S25 Ultra:
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Pro Max (rumored) | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release (OS) | Sep 2023 (iOS 17) | Sep 2024 (iOS 18) | Sep 2025 (iOS 19) | Jan 2025 (Android 15 / One UI 7) |
| Display | 6.7″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.9″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.9″ OLED, 120Hz (QHD+ likely) | 6.9″ AMOLED, 120Hz (QHD+) |
| Materials | Titanium frame, glass back | Titanium frame, glass back | Aluminum/titanium frame, half glass back (rumored) | Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 glass |
| Chipset | A17 Pro (3nm) | A18 Pro (3nm) | A19 Pro (upgraded 3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB (expected) | 12GB (standard) |
| Storage | 256/512/1TB | 256/512/1TB | Likely 256/512/1TB (rumored) | 256/512/1TB |
| Main Camera | 48MP (wide) + 12MP(ultra) + 12MP tele (5x) | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP (5x) | 48MP (wide) + 48MP (ultra) + 48MP (tele, ~3.5x optical) | 200MP (wide) + 50MP (ultra) + 10MP (3x) + 50MP (5x) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 24MP (rumored) | 12MP |
| Video | 4K@60Hz | 4K@60Hz | 8K@ (up to 30-60Hz) (rumored) | 4K/8K@30FPS (Full specs TBD) |
| Battery | ~4,352mAh (estimated) | 4,676mAh | ~5,000mAh (rumored) | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe | 35W wired, 15W MagSafe | 35W wired, 15W MagSafe (expected) + Qi2.2 support | 45W wired, 15W wireless (Qi) (likely) |
| Wireless | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3 | 5G (Qualcomm modem), Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.x | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.3 |
| Special | USB-C port, Periscope 5× | USB-C port, AI enhancements | Partial glass back, relocated logo & MagSafe, rumored periscope tele (3.5×) | S Pen support, pro AI camera engine, titanium frame |
| Colors | Alpine Green, Titanium Blue, Silver, Black | Space Black, Silver, Gold, Orange | Sky Blue (rumored) + likely Black, Silver, others | Jetblack, Jadegreen, Pinkgold, Silverblue, Gray, Whitesilver, etc. |
| Price (base) | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,199 (256GB) | ~$1,199+ (expected) | $1,299 (256GB) |
Summary
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be a substantial upgrade. The biggest changes may be outside: a new two-tone design with an aluminum/titanium frame and glass back, a horizontal rectangular camera bump, and possibly new titanium-colored edges. Inside, look for the A19 Pro chipset (3nm) with 12GB RAM, iOS 19 with AI-powered features, and the first iPhone camera system with three 48MP sensors. Battery life and durability should improve thanks to a larger ~5,000mAh battery and rumored vapor chamber cooling. Connectivity will be cutting-edge with 5G (mmWave), a new Wi‑Fi 7 radio, and continued support for satellite messaging.
Expect iPhone 17 Pro Max to launch in September 2025, likely starting around the current Pro Max price (with a possible small increase for new tech). Stay tuned to Android Development Studio for full coverage of Apple’s announcements and the official release.
FAQs About iPhone 17 Pro Max
1. When will the iPhone 17 Pro Max be released?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to launch in September 2025, following Apple’s traditional fall release timeline. Pre-orders will likely open a week after the announcement event.
2. What’s new in the iPhone 17 Pro Max compared to the 16 Pro Max?
Key upgrades include:
- A new rear design (horizontal camera bump)
- Rumored aluminum-titanium frame with partial glass
- A19 Pro chip with improved efficiency
- 12GB RAM (up from 8GB)
- Triple 48MP camera system, including the telephoto lens
- 24MP front camera
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Support for Wi‑Fi 7, iOS 19, and satellite messaging
3. Will the iPhone 17 Pro Max have USB-C?
Yes, Apple is continuing with USB-C ports on all iPhones starting from the iPhone 15 series. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will use USB-C for faster data transfer and charging.
4. What colors will the iPhone 17 Pro Max come in?
Leaks suggest a new Sky Blue color, alongside other classic Pro colors like Silver, Black, and potentially a new Titanium shade.
5. How much RAM will the iPhone 17 Pro Max have?
According to multiple leaks, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with 12GB of RAM, making it the most powerful iPhone in terms of memory to date.
6. What camera upgrades are coming?
The 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature:
- Triple 48MP rear cameras (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto)
- A new 3.5× periscope telephoto lens
- 8K video recording
- 24MP selfie camera
- Possible support for dual video recording and mechanical aperture
7. Will the iPhone 17 Pro Max have better battery life?
Yes, with a larger ~5000mAh battery and iOS 19’s AI-powered battery optimization, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to offer significantly better battery life than its predecessors.
8. Does it support Wi-Fi 7 and satellite texting?
Absolutely. It will support Wi‑Fi 7, providing blazing-fast speeds on compatible routers, and also offer satellite messaging for emergency communication in no-signal zones.
9. How much will the iPhone 17 Pro Max cost?
While Apple hasn’t confirmed pricing, it’s expected to start around $1,199 for the base 256GB model. Some rumors suggest a slight price increase is possible.
10. Is iOS 19 exclusive to the iPhone 17 series?
No. iOS 19 will roll out to several older iPhone models as well. However, certain AI and battery features may be exclusive to iPhone 17 Pro Max due to the A19 Pro chip and increased RAM.
11. Will it support reverse wireless charging?
Apple is rumored to be testing reverse wireless charging at 7.5W, allowing the iPhone 17 Pro Max to charge AirPods or Apple Watch by placing them on its back — though this hasn’t been confirmed officially.
12. Does it still have a Dynamic Island?
Yes, the Dynamic Island is expected to remain, possibly with a slimmer design. Face ID may eventually move under the screen, but that’s likely for future models.
13. Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max good for gaming or video editing?
Absolutely. With 12GB RAM, A19 Pro chip, ProMotion 120Hz, and rumored vapor chamber cooling, the 17 Pro Max is ideal for high-performance tasks like gaming, 4K/8K video editing, and multitasking.
14. How does it compare to Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Both are premium flagship phones. The iPhone 17 Pro Max focuses on iOS 19 AI features, photography, and build quality, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers an S Pen, quad cameras (including 200MP), and more Android customization.
15. Can I buy it directly from your site?
Not yet! But once Apple launches the iPhone 17 Pro Max, we’ll add a CTA link to the official Apple store so you can pre-order it right here from Android Development Studio.
