The iPhone 17 Pro Max features Apple's most significant Pro model redesign in years. Here's everything that changed.
Aluminum Unibody Frame
Apple replaced the titanium frame (used on iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro) with heat-forged aluminum.
Why: Aluminum dissipates heat better, enabling the new vapor chamber cooling system.
Trade-off: Aluminum is softer than titanium and more susceptible to scratches. The anodized color coating on Deep Blue and Cosmic Orange has been prone to chipping. Consider a protective case for finish protection.
Vapor Chamber Cooling
First time in any iPhone. The sealed chamber contains deionized water that:
- Absorbs and distributes heat from the A19 Pro chip
- Enables sustained peak performance
- Allows gaming sessions 20% longer before throttling
Redesigned Camera Module
The camera system was reimagined for the first time since iPhone 11 Pro:
Previous: Squared-off camera bump in corner
New: Horizontal "plateau" spanning nearly full device width
This houses the upgraded 48MP tetraprism telephoto system with 8x optical-quality zoom.
Bold New Colors
| Color | Description | |-------|-------------| | Cosmic Orange | Most vibrant iPhone color ever | | Deep Blue | Sophisticated, appears nearly black | | Silver | Classic option, best hides wear |
No gray, black, white, or gold options this year.
Dimensions
| Spec | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |------|-------------------|-------------------| | Thickness | 8.75mm | 8.25mm | | Weight | 233g | 227g |
Slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate vapor chamber and larger battery.
Display Improvements
- Ceramic Shield 2: Improved drop and scratch resistance
- Anti-reflective coating: Reduces glare by ~75%
- Peak brightness: 3,000 nits (up from 2,000)
What Stayed the Same
- Camera Control button
- Action Button
- USB-C port
- MagSafe compatibility
- IP68 water resistance (6m, 30 min)
- 6.9-inch display size
- 120Hz ProMotion
The iPhone 17 Pro Max maintains the familiar Pro Max experience with meaningful internal improvements and a refreshed aesthetic.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the , here are some other answers you might find interesting:
- How much does the iPhone 17 Pro Max cost?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199, making it Apple's premium flagship. Here's the complete pricing breakdown. | Storage | Price | Price Difference |...
- What cases are compatible with iPhone 17 Pro Max MagSafe?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is fully compatible with MagSafe and Qi2 accessories. Here's how to choose the right MagSafe case. MagSafe cases contain embedded magnets...
- Should I buy iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone Air?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air represent opposite design philosophies—maximum capability versus maximum portability. | Specification | iPhone Air |...
- What can Apple Intelligence do on iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Apple Intelligence is Apple's integrated AI system built into the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Here's what it can do. Available nearly everywhere you type—Messages,...
- How does the iPhone 17 Pro Max camera perform in low light?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers excellent low-light photography performance, producing impressive results in challenging conditions. Night Mode activates...
- What are the known problems with iPhone 17 Pro Max?
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max receives excellent overall reviews, several issues have emerged from user feedback. The Issue: The anodized aluminum finish,...
- What is the Camera Control button on iPhone 17 Pro Max and how do I use it?
The Camera Control is a dedicated hardware button on the iPhone 17 Pro Max designed for quick camera access and adjustments. The Camera Control sits on the...
- Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max have a physical SIM card slot?
Whether the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a physical SIM card slot depends on where you purchase it. In these countries, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has no physical SIM...
- Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 16 Pro Max to iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Upgrading every year is hard to justify. Here's an honest assessment of whether moving from iPhone 16 Pro Max to iPhone 17 Pro Max makes sense. The most...
- How fast does the iPhone 17 Pro Max charge?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports the fastest charging speeds of any iPhone. Here's what to expect. Maximum Speed: 40W with a compatible USB-C Power Delivery...
