Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the crown jewel of its 2025 iPhone lineup. Alongside the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, the Pro Max takes center stage with a bold new design, upgraded performance, and exclusive features that make it the most advanced iPhone ever. Whether you’re considering upgrading or just curious about what’s new, here’s a complete guide to Apple’s latest flagship.
📅 iPhone 17 Pro Max Release Date
Apple announced the iPhone 17 Pro Max on September 9, 2025 during its annual fall event. Pre-orders opened on September 12, and the phone officially hits shelves worldwide on September 19, 2025 (source: Apple).
🎨 iPhone 17 Pro Max Colors
This year, Apple refreshed its Pro Max color palette and introduced a brand-new standout finish:
- Cosmic Orange (new and exclusive highlight)
- Titanium Black
- Silver
- Deep Blue
- Natural Titanium
The Cosmic Orange option is already generating buzz as one of Apple’s boldest color choices to date.
💰 iPhone 17 Pro Max Price
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s most premium iPhone yet, with pricing that reflects its top-tier specs:
- 128GB – $1,299
- 256GB – $1,399
- 512GB – $1,599
- 1TB – $1,799
Prices may vary slightly depending on your region or carrier (source: Tom’s Guide).
⚙️ iPhone 17 Pro Max Specs & Features
The Pro Max model packs exclusive upgrades that set it apart from the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup:
- Processor: A19 Pro chip with faster CPU/GPU and enhanced AI performance
- Display: 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED with 120Hz refresh rate
- Battery: Largest ever in an iPhone, offering up to 30 hours of video playback
- Design: Slimmer bezels, titanium frame, and durable aluminum unibody
- Cameras:
- 48MP main lens with better low-light performance
- 5x telephoto zoom (exclusive to Pro Max)
- Ultra-wide with macro photography
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, improved 5G, and expanded satellite messaging
- Software: Ships with iOS 19 out of the box
This combination makes the iPhone 17 Pro Max the most powerful and versatile iPhone yet.
🧳 iPhone 17 Pro Max Case Guide
Because of its larger camera bump and slimmer bezels, older Pro Max cases (from iPhone 15 and 16) won’t fit. You’ll need a case designed specifically for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Recommended Case Types:
- Apple Official Cases
- FineWoven Case: Eco-friendly leather alternative
- Silicone Case: Grippy, colorful, and durable
- Clear Case: Perfect for showing off Cosmic Orange
- Rugged/Protection Cases
- OtterBox Defender, UAG Monarch, Spigen Tough Armor
- Slim/Minimalist Cases
- Totallee, Caudabe, Nomad
- Specialty Cases
- Wallet cases with MagSafe
- Third-party battery cases (since Apple hasn’t revived its Smart Battery Case)
💡 Pro tip: Always check for MagSafe compatibility to ensure wireless charging and accessories work seamlessly.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
The iPhone 17 Pro Max sets a new standard for endurance:
- 30 hours of video playback
- USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 speeds (exclusive to Pro models)
- MagSafe wireless charging up to 20W
This makes it the longest-lasting iPhone ever — perfect for power users.
📦 What’s in the Box
As expected, Apple keeps things minimal:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- USB-C to USB-C braided cable
- Documentation
(No power adapter or EarPods are included.)
✅ Should You Upgrade to iPhone 17 Pro Max?
- Upgrade-worthy: If you’re coming from an iPhone 13 Pro Max or earlier, the improvements in performance, battery, and camera are massive.
- Maybe skip: If you own the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the changes are more incremental. The main draws are the new design, Cosmic Orange finish, and the exclusive 5x telephoto zoom.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: What’s Changed?
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024) | iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A18 Pro | A19 Pro (faster CPU, GPU, AI) |
| Display | 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED, 120Hz | 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED, 120Hz (brighter, slimmer bezels) |
| Battery Life | Up to 29 hours video playback | Up to 30 hours video playback (largest iPhone battery ever) |
| Camera (Main) | 48MP with 5x telephoto (Pro Max only) | 48MP with improved low-light + 5x telephoto (better stabilization) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | Macro support | Macro support (improved detail) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, satellite SOS | Wi-Fi 7, enhanced 5G, expanded satellite messaging |
| Charging Port | USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 | USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (faster transfer speeds) |
| Colors | Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium | Cosmic Orange (new), Titanium Black, Silver, Deep Blue, Natural Titanium |
| Software | iOS 18 out of the box | iOS 19 out of the box |
| Starting Price | $1,199 (128GB) | $1,299 (128GB) |
🔎 Key Takeaways
- Performance: The A19 Pro chip delivers faster speeds and more efficient AI processing.
- Battery: Slightly longer life, with the biggest battery Apple has ever used in an iPhone.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 make the iPhone 17 Pro Max more future-proof.
- Design: Slimmer bezels and a bold new Cosmic Orange color set it apart.
- Camera: The 5x telephoto zoom remains exclusive to the Pro Max, but low-light photography has been significantly improved.
👉 If you’re on an iPhone 16 Pro Max, the upgrade isn’t massive unless you want the new color, improved low-light camera, or faster connectivity. But if you’re on an iPhone 13 Pro Max or older, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a huge leap forward.
🔎 Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone of 2025 — combining a massive display, record-breaking battery life, and powerful new camera features. For those who want the very best Apple has to offer, this is the phone to beat.
