Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

At launch, the iPhone 17 Pro Max carries a considerably higher starting retail price than the standard model. In Australia, the RRP is A$2,199 for the 256 GB version and the 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB models scale upward from there. The 17 Pro Max was released at the same time as the rest of the iPhone 17 series, becoming available for preorder from 12 September 2025 and available from 19 September 2025. 

Physically, the Pro Max is the largest and heaviest in the iPhone 17 line. It measures 163.4 mm tall, 78.0 mm wide, and 8.75 mm thick, and it weighs 231 grams. As with the Pro model, it uses a heat-forged aluminium unibody enclosure, which is designed both for structural rigidity and thermal conductivity. The front glass is Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2, claimed to improve scratch resistance over earlier glass. The rear glass is also protected under a similar Ceramic Shield finish. The device is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance — capable of immersion in up to 6 metres for 30 minutes under IEC standard testing.

Its display is a standout in sheer scale. The width, diagonal and usable area make the Pro Max ideal for media and multitasking. It carries a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with pixel dimensions of 2,868 by 1,320 (460 ppi). Like its Pro sibling, it supports ProMotion (adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz), Always-On display, HDR, True Tone and wide colour (P3). Maximum outdoor brightness can hit 3,000 nits. Other display refinements include anti-reflective coating and a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic layer.

Under the hood, the Pro Max is powered by the A19 Pro chip. It shares the same architecture as the Pro, but benefits from the more generous internal layout (battery, cooling) the Max size allows. Storage tiers are 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB. Apple also integrates its Apple Intelligence features to enhance on-device processing for photography, system tasks and smart features.

One of the key differences over the regular iPhone 17 (and even the 17 Pro) lies in photographic and video capability. The rear camera system is a triple 48 MP Pro Fusion array: wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. In addition, there is a 100 mm telephoto module (a tetraprism “periscope”) that enables up to 8× optical-quality zoom. The main module supports both 24 MP and 48 MP capture, with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation. The ultra-wide offers 120° field of view and improved performance for macro and expansive scenes. Video features include 4K Dolby Vision (up to 120 fps), ProRes and ProRes RAW, Cinematic Mode, Action Mode, and dual-capture (front and rear simultaneously). For front-facing imaging, the Pro Max uses an 18 MP Center Stage camera with dynamic framing and ultra-stable video modes.

Battery life is among the strongest points: Apple reports up to 37 hours of video playback for the Pro Max (versus lower figures on smaller models). Charging is handled via USB-C (with support for higher transfer speeds and display output), and wireless charging via MagSafe (up to 25 W) and Qi2. For fast charging, Apple quotes reaching 50 % charge in about 20 minutes with a 40 W (or higher) wired adapter; wireless charging takes roughly 30 minutes with a 30 W MagSafe charger.

In connectivity, it offers a complete modern suite: USB-C interface (with faster transfer and display support), MagSafe, Qi2 wireless, dual SIM (nano + eSIM or dual eSIM), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. Safety and emergency features such as Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection and Find My via satellite are also built in.

When you use it, the advantages are clear: the more spacious screen makes watching video, reading text or multitasking more comfortable. The heat management systems (vapor chamber, aluminium body) help sustain performance during heavier tasks like gaming or video editing. The camera flexibility across focal lengths is impressive — you can shoot wide, ultra-wide, standard tele or long-range tele without carrying separate lenses. With its stronger battery, you're less likely to be tethered to a charger during a full day of demanding use.

The trade-offs are size and weight: at 231 g, it’s not a light phone, and its large dimensions may make one-handed operation more awkward for many users. It also commands a premium price. For those who prioritise screen real estate, extended battery and maximum camera flexibility, it stands out in the iPhone 17 lineup. If you like, I can run a side-by-side comparison of the three iPhone 17 models (17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max) to highlight which might be best for your usage style.

This description was generated with the help of AI and last updated October 2025.