Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year.

iphone 16 pro models 1
As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:

  • iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display

Given the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and longer battery life. Nothing new.

It has been rumored that the Pro Max model will go one step further this year, though.

In March, it was rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be approximately 5% thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, likely in order to accommodate a larger battery. This would result in the iPhone 17 Pro Max having even longer battery life compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, which is not expected to be any thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro.

It was recently rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery capacity will reach the 5,000 mAh mark, up from 4,676 mAh for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The thickness rumor originated from Ice Universe, an account with more than 1.5 million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The account has previously shared accurate information about future Apple products.

In some years, the Pro Max gets some camera features before the Pro, but that is not expected to be the case this year. Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to be equipped with a trio of 48-megapixel rear cameras, along with an upgraded 24-megapixel front camera. No camera differences have been rumored yet.

It was initially rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a smaller Dynamic Island compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and earlier models, but it was later reported that such a change might not be happening until next year. Even if it does happen this year, one source said the smaller Dynamic Island would be on all iPhone 17 models.

All in all, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be pretty similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, beyond its larger screen and even bigger lead in battery life.

Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

paulvee Avatar
23 weeks ago
When they were getting thinner, people here complained mightily. When they get thicker, people here complain mightily. When they remain the same, people complain mightily.

First off, it's just rumors. Second, if they are true, we have agency and can choose to buy or not buy. Third, I need a nap.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Falhófnir Avatar
23 weeks ago

You'll need bigger backpack for the new 6.9 inch “iPhone Pro Max” phablet.

6.9 inch! That’s not even an iPhone anymore.
Footprint wise the Pro Max phones are comparable to the old 5.5" plus iPhones, so at this point iPhones of this size have been available for most of the time that iPhones have existed (almost 11 years out of about 18.5).
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Black_Mage Avatar
23 weeks ago
My advice for getting a new smartphone is simply don't get a new one unless:

1) Your current iPhone is at least 3 years old or
2) The new iPhone has a new feature that you absolutely need or
3) You recently realized Google doesn't respect your privacy, and you want to replace your Android phone with an iPhone
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tmontana Avatar
23 weeks ago
This must be a joke, in all the years I followed the iPhone progressing. Never complain actually on forums. But this is my last iPhone. I had enough of this company. Even the Macbook is so buggy all the time. The current management is way too old and are just focused on revenue, which is of course good. But it destroys why you want an Iphone in my opinion. I stil have a iPhone 12 Pro Max and my family members have a iPhone 16 pro max, The money you will pay for this iPhone 17 pro max is not longer defendable.

iOS 26 is a big joke as well. The so called Apple Intelligence is a big fat joke as it was when Siri came out. They are to afraid to completely get rid of Siri and it's time to do so. Sire will never competen agains competitors. The image playground is for children, you can do **** with it.

Oke am frustrated about this company and hope things will take a turn. But from my perspective and I was a die hard Linux user. Am going back. This is my last Macbook Pro and iPhone.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdaholic Avatar
23 weeks ago
Bigger, thicker, veinier…there comes a point when it’s just unwieldy.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xaqt93 Avatar
23 weeks ago
Personally, I like it when they keep the two pro iPhones as close together as they can. Only because I like the smaller iPhones and I hate the fact that I can't get a certain features on the smaller one. Not that I really care, but its the point of it...Lol. I just want all the features on the smaller iPhone. Not everyone likes the bigger iPhone.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)