The highly anticipated iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be one of the best phones of 2025, leading the forthcoming iPhone 17 line-up. Alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the range will likely include the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and a new model—either the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim.

While the new Air or Slim model could attract a great deal of attention, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to deliver the most advanced features and powerful performance in the range.

Although the official launch isn’t expected until September, early leaks and rumours are already providing insight into what this flagship device might offer. Stay tuned for the latest updates below.

Latest news:

The iPhone 17 Pro Max might feature wireless charging capabilities for other devices.

View Deal

Get straight to the essentials

What to expect in September: forthcoming events and updates

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with the rest of the iPhone 17 range, is expected to be announced in September 2025.

Multiple sources indicate a September launch for the iPhone 17 line-up, with some suggesting a specific announcement date of 9 September and a potential shipping date of 19 September. Historically, Apple has unveiled its new phones in the first half of September, so this timeframe is highly likely.

In previous years, Apple typically held its announcements on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but has recently moved to Mondays. Due to this shift, predicting the exact day is less certain. Based on past trends, the second week of September appears most probable, with possible dates falling on Monday 8 September, Tuesday 9 September, or Wednesday 10 September. While a Thursday or Friday announcement is possible, Apple events are less commonly held on these days.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely open on the Friday of the announcement week, so Friday 12 September is a strong possibility. There is also a chance pre-orders could begin a week earlier, on Friday 5 September. The handset is expected to start shipping the following Friday, likely 19 September, although 12 September is also possible.

Regarding pricing, there are reports that Apple is considering raising the price for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, possibly due to the ongoing threat of tariffs and multiple leaks pointing to a $50 price increase for the iPhone 17 Pro. For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at £1,199, so it is likely that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will cost at least this much, if not more.

Can you trust these rumours?

At present, there aren't many confirmed release date leaks, so most predictions are based on informed speculation. However, it's likely that this phone will be announced in September, with 9 September being a strong possibility. It's also expected that the price may exceed that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

How a single button can replace three to improve the user experience

Recent leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature a major design update, including a new button that might replace the traditional two volume buttons and the Action button with a single, multifunctional key. While details are still emerging, this new button may allow users to swipe to adjust the volume or press to activate a custom feature, similar to the Camera Control key found on other devices.

You can get a glimpse of this concept in an iPhone 14 Pro prototype, which showcased a unified volume button—although that version only combined two buttons into one. Reports indicate that Apple has been exploring this streamlined approach for some time, but it’s unclear whether it will make its debut on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Another significant leak points to a change in materials: the iPhone 17 Pro Max may use an aluminium frame instead of titanium. The top half of the back could also switch to aluminium, while the bottom half remains glass. Additionally, the camera bump appears to be getting larger, as revealed in a leaked image of the iPhone 17 series frame. This frame features a camera cut-out design reminiscent of the Pixel 9, hinting at a fresh look for the new model.

Another source suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will continue to use a titanium frame, which seems to be the more likely option.

We've also seen possible new camera designs for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. You can see an example in this image of an iPhone 17 Pro. Similar designs have appeared in leaked images of iPhone 17 Pro Max metal moulds and dummy units. However, this design has received mixed reactions online, with some users expressing their disappointment and even other tech companies making light-hearted comments about it.

Recent leaked dummy units of the iPhone 17 Pro reveal a much more refined and polished design.

However, another source suggests that, despite some of these images, the iPhone 17 Pro Max won't have a two-tone color scheme. Instead, significant changes are expected to the camera layout, while the front of the phone is likely to remain largely unchanged. We have also seen how a single-color iPhone 17 Pro might look.

Additionally, reports indicate that some iPhone 17 models might have curvier edges than the iPhone 16 series, potentially making them more comfortable to hold.

Regarding colours, one source claims that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available in one of the three colors: Dark Green Titanium, Teal Titanium, or Green Titanium. While all three options are being considered, only one may be chosen, with Teal Titanium rumoured to be the most likely choice.

Recent reports suggest that Apple may be moving away from its previous range of colour options for its next flagship phone. The most likely new shade is Sky Blue, while Titanium Blue and Titanium Purple are also rumoured.

Other sources indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be available in colours such as black, white, blue, gray, and brown. An orange shade has been seen on video, eliciting mixed reactions from fans.

Leaked images of protective cases also hint at additional colours, including green, orange, black, navy blue, and purple for the upcoming device. Leaked photos of TechWoven cases support these claims.

In terms of design, the the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be thicker than its predecessor, with leaked dimensions suggesting it measures around 163.04 x 77.59 x 8.75mm. This makes it noticeably chunkier than the slimmer iPhone 17 Air. Another source confirms a similar thickness of put the iPhone 17 Pro Max's thickness at 8.76mm.

There are also rumours that Apple could hide the Face ID components under the screen in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This could potentially reduce the size of the Dynamic Island and result in a more streamlined screen. Apple now even has a patent for technology that could make this possible.

Alternatively, a smaller Dynamic Island might be achieved using a new ‘metalens’ technology for the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s proximity sensor, a claim we've heard more than once. However, not all reports agree, with some suggesting the Dynamic Island won't be shrunk after all.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a durable titanium frame and a large 6.9-inch display. Some leaks point to the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s display might use a type of glass that’s less reflective, although other sources suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max won't get this display upgrade. Additionally, there are suggestions that the iPhone 17 Pro Max's screen might use a new technology to improve power efficiency and durability, enhancing the overall user experience.

Can You Trust These Rumours?

At present, only one source has mentioned the possibility of a new button, so it's sensible to remain cautious. Since the Action button was introduced recently, it would be unusual for it to be removed so soon.

There's also scepticism about the phone switching from titanium to aluminium, as this could be seen as a downgrade in quality.

However, changes to the camera design seem more likely, given the number of leaks supporting this update.

A smaller Dynamic Island is also rumoured, with multiple leaks suggesting this could be achieved through a redesigned proximity sensor rather than moving Face ID under the display.

A new telephoto camera with advanced zoom capabilities

Recent reports suggest some exciting upgrades to the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s camera system. The most talked-about improvement is a new 48MP telephoto lens, a significant leap from the current 12MP sensor. Several sources back up this claim, making it highly likely.

However, one leak suggests the telephoto camera may offer just 3.5x optical zoom instead of the previous 5x zoom. Despite this, users may still achieve 5x and 7x 'lossless' zoom through image cropping. Other rumours mention the possibility of 8x zoom, a second Camera Control button, and a professional-grade camera app, although these details come from anonymous sources and are less certain.

Overall, significant camera upgrades seem likely. One source even describes the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be "the most powerful telephoto phone". It appears that the main and ultra-wide cameras will continue with 48MP sensors, while the telephoto will have a new 48MP sensor and see the most substantial changes.

The front-facing camera might also be upgraded, with reports of a 24MP selfie camera—double the resolution of the current model.

Video quality may also improve significantly, with the potential for 8K video recording, up from 4K on previous models.

Another intriguing rumour is that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could have a mechanical aperture, allowing users to adjust it and control depth of field for more creative photography.

However, not all updates are necessarily improvements. Some sources indicate that the main sensor on the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be smaller than the one in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Finally, there are reports that Apple might be testing a 200MP sensor. While it is unlikely to appear in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it could arrive in future models.

Can you trust these rumours?

Many sources have reported a 48MP telephoto camera, making this feature highly likely. However, the rumoured 24MP front-facing camera has not been mentioned as frequently, so it should be viewed with some caution, even though it comes from a reliable source. Claims of an 8x optical zoom are less convincing at this stage.

As for a mechanical aperture, we remain sceptical, as it would be a significant but specialised upgrade—though it's not out of the question. We also doubt that the main sensor size will be reduced at this time.

A powerful chipset and plenty of RAM for fast performance

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature the powerful A19 Pro chipset, building on the advancements of the previous model. Several sources have confirmed the inclusion of the A19 Pro processor, along with an increase to 12GB of RAM—up from the current 8GB. This increase in memory could significantly enhance the phone’s AI performance and multitasking capabilities. While it remains unclear whether both Pro models will receive 12GB of RAM or if this upgrade will be exclusive to the Pro Max, multiple reports suggest an increase in memory is likely.

Cooling technology is also being improved, with rumours suggesting that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might feature a vapour chamber system. This innovative cooling method helps to maintain optimal performance by dissipating heat more efficiently. Several sources have mentioned its potential inclusion.

Battery life is another area of improvement. The iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature a slimmer and lighter motherboard, possibly making room for a larger battery. Recent leaks indicate a 5,000mAh battery may be included, offering longer battery life. Additionally, the device is expected to support reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly from your phone, according to multiple sources.

On the software side, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to launch with iOS 26. This new operating system introduces a refreshed design, simplified app layouts, advanced AI-powered features, and an Apple Games app, among other enhancements. Overall, iOS 26 is expected to deliver a significant upgrade in user experience and functionality.

Can You Trust These Rumours?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is widely expected to feature the advanced A19 Pro chipset, following trends from previous models. An upgrade to 12GB of RAM also seems likely, which would enhance performance, especially for artificial intelligence features.