The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to be released in September 2025, aligning with Apple’s typical launch timeline. This model will join the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the new iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to replace the Plus model with a slimmer design.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a hybrid build of glass and aluminum, potentially thicker at 8.725mm for a larger battery. Its display is expected to remain 6.9 inches, with enhanced scratch resistance and 120Hz ProMotion. Performance upgrades include the A19 Pro chip on a 3-nanometer process and 12GB RAM, supported by vapor chamber cooling for better thermal management.
The camera system is set for significant upgrades, with three 48MP rear lenses (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) and a 24MP front camera. It may support 8K video and dual video recording. Charging capabilities are expected to reach 35W wired and 7.5W reverse wireless, improving on previous models.
As of April 10, 2025, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, part of Apple’s anticipated 2025 lineup. This survey note provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, integrating rumors, leaks, and expert analyses to offer a detailed picture for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to launch in September 2025, consistent with Apple’s historical release patterns for new iPhone models. This aligns with reports from reputable sources like MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Roundup and PhoneArena’s iPhone 17 Pro Max Release, which suggest a September rollout. The lineup will include four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the newly introduced iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be an ultra-thin device, potentially 6mm thick with a 6.6-inch display, replacing the less popular Plus model, as noted in Tom’s Guide iPhone 17 Air vs Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to feature a hybrid design, combining glass and aluminum for increased durability, as per the Forbes iPhone 17 Pro Design Leak. This build is expected to support wireless charging while reducing breakage risks, with a potential thickness of 8.725mm to accommodate a larger battery, up from the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 8.25mm. Design leaks also suggest a horizontal or elongated oval camera bump, a departure from the square design, which could enhance aesthetics and functionality, as detailed in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Camera Design.
The display is expected to remain at 6.9 inches, featuring 120Hz ProMotion, now extended to non-Pro models, ensuring smoother interactions. Reports indicate an anti-reflective, “super hard” coating for increased scratch resistance, as mentioned in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Roundup. This upgrade aims to improve visibility and durability, catering to users who prioritize display quality.
Performance-wise, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be powered by the A19 Pro chip, utilizing an upgraded N3P 3-nanometer process for enhanced efficiency and speed, as per the MacRumors iPhone 17 Pro 12GB RAM Rumor. It will likely feature 12GB RAM, up from 8GB in previous Pro models, supporting better multitasking. Thermal management is expected to improve with vapor chamber cooling, detailed in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Advanced Cooling, ensuring sustained performance during heavy usage.
The camera system is set for a major overhaul, with a 24MP front-facing camera, up from 12MP, enhancing selfie and video call quality, as noted in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 24MP Front Camera. The rear setup will include three 48MP lenses: Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto, with the Telephoto lens upgraded from 12MP to offer 3.5x optical zoom, supporting simulated 5x zoom, as per MacRumors iPhone 17 Pro 48MP Telephoto. Rumors also suggest a mechanical aperture for the Wide camera to adjust depth of field and potential 8K video recording, pushing mobile videography limits, as detailed in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Supports 8K Video. A new dual video recording feature, allowing simultaneous front and rear camera use, is also anticipated, ideal for content creators, as per MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Dual Video Recording.
Battery life is expected to improve with a larger capacity, facilitated by the thicker design, and a new adhesive for easier battery replacement, similar to the iPhone 16, as noted in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Dummies Highlight Design. Charging speeds are rumored to reach 35W wired across the lineup, up from the iPhone 16 Pro’s sustained 30W, as per MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Lineup 35W Charging. Reverse wireless charging is expected to increase to 7.5W, up from 4.5W, enhancing accessory charging capabilities, as detailed in MacRumors’ iPhone 17 Pro Reverse Charging Feature.
Connectivity upgrades include a Qualcomm 5G modem for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the iPhone 17 Air may use Apple’s custom modem, as per the MacRumors iPhone 17 Air Wi-Fi 7 Rumor. It will feature Apple’s custom Wi-Fi 7 chip, supporting 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands with peak speeds over 40Gb/s, improving efficiency, as noted in MacRumors’ Kuo’s iPhone 17 Models Wi-Fi 7 Chip. Bluetooth 5.3 is expected for enhanced accessory compatibility.
Regarding charging, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will continue to support USB-C, as confirmed by EU regulations, with no port less design for this model, as per 9to5Mac EU Confirms Port less iPhone. However, the redesigned camera bump may affect compatibility with bulkier MagSafe chargers, potentially necessitating slimmer options, as mentioned in T3’s iPhone 17 Pro MagSafe Compatibility.
The iPhone 17 Air is positioned as a thinner, more affordable option compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with a rumored thickness of 5.5-6mm and a single rear camera in a pill-shaped bar, as per Tom’s Guide iPhone 17 Air vs Pro Max. This contrasts with the iPhone 17 Pro Max‘s flagship features, making it a top choice for power users, while the iPhone 17 Air targets those seeking portability.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9 inches, 120Hz ProMotion | ~6.6 inches, TBD refresh rate |
| Thickness | ~8.725mm | ~5.5-6mm |
| Processor | A19 Pro, 3nm, 12GB RAM | A19, TBD RAM |
| Camera (Rear) | Three 48MP lenses (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) | Single camera, pill-shaped bar |
| Front Camera | 24MP | TBD |
| Charging | 35W wired, 7.5W reverse wireless | 35W wired, TBD reverse wireless |
| 5G Modem | Qualcomm | Apple’s custom |
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is poised to be a flagship device with significant upgrades, from its hybrid design to advanced camera and charging capabilities. Its release in September 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 Air and other models, will likely redefine user expectations for smartphone performance. As more details emerge, these leaks provide a robust foundation for understanding Apple’s direction, catering to both tech-savvy users and those seeking premium features.