iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Key Differences to Anticipate 

Updated: Apr 25, 2025, 1:28 AM

Introduction

It feels like just yesterday that the iPhone 16 was released, and now the iPhone 17 is on the horizon, expected to launch in the usual September timeframe. This new iteration will bring significant changes, both externally and internally.

Design and Size

Apple is set to refresh the design of the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a larger camera island on the back, extending across the width of the device, reminiscent of the camera layouts on Google’s Pixel phones but on a grander scale. This marks a departure from the more refined and familiar design of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro Max may be slightly thicker at 8.75mm compared to the 8.25mm of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This extra space is hoped to be utilized for a larger battery. Additionally, Apple might shift from titanium back to aluminum, making the phone lighter and potentially more cost-effective. This change could also mitigate issues stemming from global titanium supply, which is largely controlled by China.

The button layout will remain unchanged, featuring an Action button on the left and a Camera Control button on the lower right.

Display Differences

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to retain the 6.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion technology, consistent with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, it may feature a slightly smaller Dynamic Island notch. Apple has previously reduced notch sizes, as seen with the iPhone 13.

There’s also speculation that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might adopt Samsung’s M14 OLED panel, potentially increasing peak brightness from 2,000 nits to nearly 3,000 nits, while maintaining a minimum brightness of around 1 nit.

Performance and Software

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely utilize the new Apple A19 Pro chipset. While the exact manufacturing process (3nm vs. a new 2nm node) is uncertain, it is expected to bring improvements in performance and efficiency. There are rumors of an increase in RAM to 12GB, enhancing the device’s capability, especially for AI applications.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will ship with iOS 19, which will be available for the iPhone 16 Pro Max later in the year. A significant visual redesign is anticipated for this update.

Camera Upgrades

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a larger camera island, with all rear cameras upgraded to 48MP, including a new 5x periscope camera. This will allow for improved hybrid zoom capabilities with lossless quality. Additionally, 8K video recording may be introduced, exclusive to the Pro models.

The front-facing FaceTime camera could see an upgrade from 12MP to 24MP, enhancing selfie and video call quality.

Battery Life and Charging

While the iPhone 16 Pro Max currently holds the record for battery size at 4,685mAh, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a larger battery, potentially exceeding 4,700mAh but likely not surpassing 5,000mAh. The increased thickness might allow for a dual-stacked battery design, although no significant improvements in charging speeds are expected.

Specifications Comparison

While details are still emerging, early information suggests significant specs for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Summary

Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be a modest upgrade over the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Given that consumers are upgrading less frequently, this model is likely aimed more at users of older iPhones rather than those who recently purchased the iPhone 16 Pro Max, as it may not provide compelling reasons for them to switch.