iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple is all set to host its biggest launch event of the year on September 9, 2025, called “Awe Dropping.” At this event, Apple will unveil the new iPhone 17 series, which includes:
iPhone 17
iPhone 17 Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
This lineup will replace the previous Plus model. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to come with five major upgrades that will set it apart from the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
1. Design: New Camera Layout and Aluminum Frame
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a completely new camera design. Instead of the usual vertical triple-lens setup, the phone may feature a rectangular camera island stretching across the back, similar to Google Pixel phones.
This change may also make the phone slightly thicker:
iPhone 16 Pro Max thickness: 8.25 mm
iPhone 17 Pro Max thickness: 8.73 mm
Additionally, Apple might switch from titanium back to aluminum, making the device lighter and more durable.
2. Display: Brighter and Sharper with Anti-Glare Coating
While the screen size and 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate will remain the same (6.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display), the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to come with:
A thinner Dynamic Island
A new Samsung M14 OLED panel
Increased peak brightness from 2,000 nits to 3,000 nits
A special anti-reflective coating for better visibility in sunlight
3. Performance: A19 Pro Chipset and More RAM
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely be powered by Apple’s latest A19 Pro chip, based on a third-generation 3nm process, making it faster and more power-efficient than the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
RAM upgrade:
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8GB RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 12GB RAM
4. Camera: Triple 48MP Setup and 8K Recording
This time, Apple may introduce 48MP sensors for all rear cameras, including a 48MP periscope lens—a big leap from the 12MP periscope lens on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Other camera improvements:
24MP selfie camera (up from 12MP)
Support for 8K video recording
5. Battery: Bigger and Better
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 5,000mAh battery, an upgrade from the 4,685mAh battery in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This should translate to better battery life and longer screen-on time.
In Summary:
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be a significant upgrade over the 16 Pro Max, with big changes in design, performance, camera, display, and battery.
All eyes will be on Apple’s September 9 event to see how these upgrades come to life.
