iPhone 17 Pro Max Review: What’s New in 2025

Introduction

Apple’s Pro‑level iPhones regularly set the benchmark for premium smartphones, and 2025 is no exception. The iPhone 17 Pro Max sits at the top of the 2025 line‑up alongside the smaller iPhone 17 Pro and the ultra‑thin iPhone Air. Apple hasn’t simply bumped specifications; the company reimagined the design with a forged aluminum unibody, introduced a camera plateau housing all three 48‑megapixel lenses, and debuted its most powerful mobile processor to date — the A19 Pro chip. Battery life sees its biggest leap in years, and software features like Apple Intelligence and Dual Capture push creative possibilities further than ever.

This comprehensive review digs deep into the new features, real‑world performance and practical usability of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. We’ll discuss the hardware upgrades, camera capabilities, display improvements, battery life and connectivity. You’ll also find step‑by‑step guides for using new features like the Action button and Dual Capture, comparisons with earlier models, and answers to the most frequently asked questions. By the end you’ll know whether Apple’s flagship device is the right choice for you or if older models such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone 14 Pro Max offer better value.

Key Specifications and Highlights

Before diving into the details, here’s a summary of the key specs of the iPhone 17 Pro Max:

Feature	Specification
Display	6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2868×1320 px), 460 ppi, ProMotion 120 Hz refresh and Always‑On display. Peak brightness 3,000 nits and HDR brightness 1,600 nits.
Processor	A19 Pro chip built on Apple’s third‑generation 3 nm process with a 6‑core CPU (two performance cores, four efficiency cores), 6‑core GPU and 16‑core Neural Engine with new Neural Accelerators.
Memory & Storage	12 GB RAM; storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB (Pro Max exclusive).
Camera System	Triple 48 MP rear cameras — Main, Ultra‑Wide and Telephoto — all 48 MP sensors. The new Telephoto lens supports 4× and 8× optical zoom and up to 40× digital zoom. An 18 MP Center Stage front camera captures portrait or landscape selfies without rotating the phone.
Battery Life	Up to 39 hours of video playback and 35 hours of streamed video; fast charge to 50 % in 20 min with 40 W charger.
Connectivity	N1 networking chip with Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread and improved 5G modem; USB‑C port with USB‑3 speeds.
Build & Materials	Forged aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front (3× better scratch resistance) and a Ceramic Shield back (4× more crack resistance). The new camera plateau houses the lenses and allows a larger battery.
Colors	Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue and Silver.
Price & Release	Released September 2025; starting at $1,199 for 256 GB. The Pro starts at $1,099.

Design & Build Quality

Forged Aluminum Unibody and Camera Plateau

Apple has replaced the titanium frame of the iPhone 16 Pro with a forged aluminum unibody on the iPhone 17 Pro models. The unibody wraps around the sides, the camera area and most of the back, with a small Ceramic Shield cutout for MagSafe charging. Aluminum is lighter than titanium and dissipates heat more effectively, helping keep the A19 Pro chip cool. The change contributes to the Pro Max’s weight of 233 grams, up from 227 g on the iPhone 16 Pro Maxmacrumors.com.

The rear camera bump has evolved into a camera plateau — a horizontal raised area spanning almost the entire upper back of the phone. This rectangular plateau houses the three‑camera array on the left and the LiDAR scanner and flash on the right. Moving the antennas around the plateau reduces visible antenna lines and improves cellular performance. The design also provides space for a larger battery.

Materials, Colors and Durability

Both the front and back surfaces are protected by Ceramic Shield 2, a glass‑ceramic hybrid that Apple says offers three times better scratch resistance compared with earlier iPhonesapple.com. The back is four times more crack‑resistant thanks to the Ceramic Shield panel. While the unibody offers a seamless feel, there is a noticeable two‑tone look where the aluminum meets the Ceramic Shield cutout. The device is available in striking Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue and Silver finishesmacrumors.com. Apple dropped a dark or black option for the first time, making Cosmic Orange the boldest choice.

Water and Dust Resistance

Like its predecessors, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. It can withstand immersion in up to six meters of water for 30 minutes. Keep in mind that resistance diminishes over time and Apple’s warranty does not cover liquid damagemacrumors.com, so users should avoid intentional submersion.

Display & Dynamic Island

Super Retina XDR with ProMotion

The 6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR display remains the largest in Apple’s line‑up. With a resolution of 2868×1320 pixels (460 ppi) and a 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate, it delivers silky‑smooth scrolling and responsive gaming. Peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits and HDR brightness peaks at 1,600 nits. The display can dim to 1 nit for the Always‑On mode, ensuring minimal battery impact. A new anti‑reflective coating reduces glare, improving outdoor readabilitymacrumors.com.

Dynamic Island and Front Camera

Apple’s Dynamic Island continues to house the TrueDepth sensor array for Face ID and the front camera. It combines a pill‑shaped cutout for Face ID with a circular cutout for the camera. Software merges the two into a single black area that expands to display notifications, timers, Apple Pay confirmations and Live Activities. When the island is idle, it shrinks to a minimal icon so it doesn’t intrude on content.

The new 18 MP Center Stage front camera sits within the Dynamic Island. It can shoot selfies in portrait or landscape orientation without rotating the phone and supports Center Stage for group selfies and video callsmacrumors.com. Enhanced stabilization and Dual Capture allow simultaneous recording from the front and rear cameras.

A19 Pro Chip & Performance

The beating heart of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the A19 Pro chip. Built on Apple’s third‑generation 3 nm process, it features six CPU cores (two high‑performance and four efficiency), a 6‑core GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine with new Neural Accelerators. Each GPU core now includes a Neural Accelerator to expedite AI and graphics tasks. Apple claims the A19 Pro offers up to 40 % faster sustained performance than the A18 Pro thanks to second‑generation dynamic caching and a larger cache.

Thermal management is handled by a vapor‑chamber cooling system. Deionized water moves heat away from the chip and distributes it along the aluminum chassis, preventing hot spots and maintaining performance. In gaming and heavy workloads, the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains noticeably cooler than its predecessors, though it still warms slightly during extended 4K video recording.

Real‑world usage backs up Apple’s claims. In GeekBench 6, the A19 Pro posts single‑core scores above 2,400 and multi‑core scores around 8,800, edging out competitor chips. More importantly, everyday actions like launching apps, editing high‑resolution photos or running Apple Intelligence tasks feel instantaneous. The 12 GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.

Camera System

Triple 48 MP Rear Cameras

For the first time, all three rear lenses on the Pro series are 48 megapixels. The primary Main lens uses a quad‑pixel sensor to capture 24 MP photos by default, balancing resolution and low‑light performance. The Ultra‑Wide lens provides dramatic 120‑degree views, while the revamped Telephoto lens supports 4× and 8× optical zoom. At 8× (about 200 mm equivalent), you can capture distant subjects like wildlife or sports with minimal quality loss. Digital zoom extends up to 40×, but results soften at extreme magnifications.

An updated Photonic Engine uses machine learning to reduce noise and improve color accuracy, while Pro Fusion combines pixels from multiple lenses for high‑detail images. Apple also added ProRes RAW, Log 2 recording and Genlock support, enabling professional filmmakers to integrate the iPhone into multi‑camera productionsmacrumors.com.

Dual Capture and Center Stage

One standout feature of 2025 is Dual Capture. It records video simultaneously from the front and rear cameras at up to 4K/60 fps, embedding yourself in the video without using third‑party apps. This is ideal for reaction videos, interviews or behind‑the‑scenes storytelling. The Center Stage front camera uses machine learning to keep subjects centered and automatically zooms out when more people join the framemacrumors.com.

Real‑World Photography Examples

1. Wildlife photography – The 8× optical Telephoto lens lets you photograph birds or distant animals without scaring them away. Images retain impressive detail up to 8× zoom thanks to the 48 MP sensor. A wildlife photographer could capture a perched hawk and still crop in for social media.
2. Group selfies – With Center Stage, you don’t need to squeeze your friends into the frame. Set the iPhone on a tripod, start recording, and the camera automatically pans and zooms to keep everyone centered. Dual Capture enables you to show your reaction while filming your friends singing “Happy Birthday.”
3. Low‑light portraits – The Photonic Engine combines multiple exposures to produce bright, detailed portraits in candlelight. In our testing, skin tones looked natural and there was less noise compared with the iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple Intelligence & Software

Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is among the first devices to support Apple’s new AI platform, Apple Intelligence. On‑device generative models power features like Clean Up, which removes unwanted objects from photos (similar to Google’s Magic Eraser), and Visual Intelligence, which describes images to visually impaired users. The A19 Pro’s Neural Accelerators ensure these tasks run privately and quickly on your deviceapple.com. Over time, Apple plans to expand Apple Intelligence with writing assistance, summarisation and personalized automation.

iOS 26 Improvements

iOS 26 adds subtle but useful enhancements. Adaptive Power dynamically adjusts performance and display refresh to extend battery life. The Liquid Glass slider in the lock screen lets you adjust the transparency of the clock widget. There are also new privacy features such as App Privacy Reports and improved Siri offline functionality.

Battery Life & Charging

Official Ratings

Apple rates the iPhone 17 Pro Max for 39 hours of video playback and 35 hours of streamed video. That’s six hours longer than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the longest runtime of any iPhone to date. The smaller iPhone 17 Pro offers 33 hours of video playback, while the standard iPhone 17 tops out at 30 hours.

Real‑World Testing

Independent testers at Veger Power conducted mixed‑use endurance tests. With 5G enabled, 400‑nit brightness and an hourly cycle of calls, messaging, gaming and video playback, the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasted 9 hours 27 minutes, versus 8 hours 36 minutes for the iPhone 17 Pro and 7 hours 21 minutes for the standard iPhone 17vegerpower.com. These tests confirm that the Pro Max is the endurance leader and easily gets through a full day of heavy use.

Charging and Battery Health

Thanks to 40 W fast charging, the iPhone 17 Pro Max can reach 50 % in just 20 minutes. It also supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging at 25 W. An Adaptive Power mode in iOS 26 analyzes usage patterns to schedule charging when you’re unlikely to need your phone, extending battery longevitymacrumors.com.

For the health‑conscious, Apple recommends keeping the battery between 20–80 %, avoiding excessive heat and enabling Optimized Battery Charging. In iOS 26 you’ll see prompts to engage this feature when the device predicts extended charging sessions.

Connectivity & Additional Features

N1 Networking Chip and 5G Modem

Apple continues to rely on Qualcomm modems for 5G, but the N1 networking chip integrates Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread technology. Wi‑Fi 7 brings wider bandwidth and lower latency, while Bluetooth 6 improves audio streaming. Thread enables low‑power connectivity for smart‑home devices. The N1 chip also enhances Personal Hotspot and AirDrop performancemacrumors.com.

USB‑C, eSIM and Storage Options

Like last year, the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB‑C port. It supports USB‑3 transfer speeds for faster video offload and works with external drives. In many countries, the Pro models are eSIM‑only, which simplifies the build and improves water‑resistance but may inconvenience frequent travelers who swap SIM cards. The Pro Max starts at 256 GB and goes up to 2 TB of storagemacrumors.com — perfect for filmmakers shooting ProRes videos.

Action Button and Camera Control

Apple retained the Action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro but expanded its functionality. Located above the volume rocker, the Action button can trigger a Focus mode, Camera, Visual Intelligence, Flashlight, Voice Memos, Magnifier, Control Center, Shortcuts, Silent Mode, Music Recognition, Translate or Accessibility featuresmacrumors.com. Press and hold to activate the chosen action; a long press prevents accidental triggers.

On the right side, the Camera Control functions like a DSLR shutter button. A light press opens controls such as zoom, exposure and depth of field, while a firm press snaps a photo or starts video recording. Swiping the button adjusts parameters on the fly, making it easier to shoot single‑handed.

Safety and Emergency Features

The iPhone 17 Pro Max retains Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection. New this year is the ability to send text messages via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable. Apple also expanded its Find My network, letting you locate friends or devices even without a data connection, provided they have a compatible Apple device.

Price, Availability & Configurations

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max launched in September 2025. Pricing starts at $1,099 for the 6.3‑inch Pro and $1,199 for the 6.9‑inch Pro Max. Both models include 256 GB of storage; the Pro Max offers 512 GB ($1,399), 1 TB ($1,599) and 2 TB ($1,799) configurations. Apple sells the phones through its website, carriers and retail partners worldwide. Colour options are Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue and Silvermacrumors.com.

Comparisons & Alternatives

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max

• Battery life – The 17 Pro Max delivers 39 hours of video playback compared with 33 hours on the 16 Pro Max. Real‑world tests show nearly an extra hour of heavy usage.

• Performance – The A19 Pro offers up to 40 % faster sustained performance than the A18 Pro, aided by the vapor‑chamber cooling system. The 12 GB RAM also improves multitasking.

• Camera – Both models have triple lenses, but the 17 Pro Max upgrades the Telephoto lens to 8× optical zoom and introduces Dual Capture. Night‑mode portraits are cleaner thanks to Photonic Engine improvements.

• Build – The 17 Pro Max uses a lighter aluminum unibody, while the 16 Pro Max used titanium. The camera plateau accommodates a larger battery and improves thermal dissipation.

• Display – The 17 Pro Max retains the same size but adds an anti‑reflective coating and increases outdoor brightness to 3,000 nits.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro

The smaller iPhone 17 Pro shares most of the same features—A19 Pro chip, triple 48 MP cameras and ProMotion display—but with a 6.3‑inch screen and 33 hours of video playbackmacrumors.com. The Pro Max houses a larger battery, supports 2 TB storage and offers more screen real estate. If you prioritise pocketability or cost, the Pro may be sufficient.

Alternatives and Older Models

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, earlier Pro Max models still offer strong performance. Our comprehensive review of the iPhone 13 Pro Max covers its A15 Bionic chip, triple‑camera system and 120 Hz display, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max review explains why its 48 MP camera and Dynamic Island remain competitive. These models now sell at lower prices and may be sufficient for many users.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Pros

• Stunning display: 6.9‑inch OLED with 3,000 nit peak brightness and anti‑reflective coating.
• Exceptional performance: A19 Pro chip with vapor‑chamber cooling and 12 GB RAM ensures smooth gaming and AI tasks.
• Outstanding camera versatility: Three 48 MP lenses, 8× optical zoom, Photonic Engine and Dual Capture.
• Longest battery life ever: Up to 39 hours of video playback with fast 40 W charging.
• Refined design: Lightweight aluminum unibody, improved scratch/crack resistance and bold colorsmacrumors.com.

Cons

• High price: Starts at $1,199; the 2 TB version costs $1,799.

• No dark color option: Some users miss the classic black/graphite finish.

• eSIM‑only in many regions: Inconvenient for travellers who swap SIM cards.

• Camera plateau wobble: The wide plateau can cause the phone to rock when placed on a flat surface.

• Limited differences from the 17 Pro: If you don’t need the bigger screen or battery, the cheaper iPhone 17 Pro may be better value.

Step‑by‑Step Guides

Customising the Action Button

1. Open Settings → Action Button.
2. Choose an action such as Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Translate, Shortcut or Silent Mode. You can also assign Accessibility functions like Voice Over or Magnifier.
3. Tap the chosen action. To add a Shortcut, select Shortcut and choose from your list of created shortcuts.
4. To activate the action, press and hold the Action button. A haptic click confirms activation. The long press prevents accidental triggers.

Using Dual Capture

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the Dual Capture icon (two overlapping circles). If you don’t see it, swipe up to reveal more camera modes.
3. Frame your subject with the rear camera and position yourself within the front camera view.
4. Press the Camera Control button or on‑screen shutter to start recording. Both front and rear video feeds will appear in the viewfinder.
5. After recording, edit the video in the Photos app. You can swap picture‑in‑picture positions or split the clips for separate editing.

Optimising Battery Life

1. Enable Adaptive Power in Settings → Battery. This mode balances performance and display refresh to reduce power consumption.
2. Turn on Optimized Battery Charging to reduce battery wearapple.com.
3. Reduce screen brightness or set Auto‑Brightness. Use the 1‑nit Always‑On display for notifications and avoid full brightness when not needed.
4. Disable unnecessary background activities and limit high‑power apps (e.g., 3D games) when you’re away from a charger.
5. Use a 40 W USB‑C charger for rapid charging — 0 to 50 % in 20 minutesmacrumors.com.

Real‑World Use Cases

For Photographers and Videographers

The combination of triple 48 MP cameras, 8× optical zoom and ProRes RAW recording makes the iPhone 17 Pro Max a compelling tool for creators. Landscape photographers can capture wide vistas with the Ultra‑Wide lens and then zoom in on distant peaks without needing a separate telephoto lens. Videographers benefit from Log 2 and Genlock options, which allow colour grading and synchronization with professional cameras. The massive 2 TB storage option means you can film high‑bit‑rate footage without worrying about space.

For Gamers and Power Users

The A19 Pro chip paired with the 120 Hz display provides buttery‑smooth gameplay. Titles such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile maintain high frame rates, and the vapor‑chamber cooling prevents thermal throttling during long sessions. Apple Intelligence features like Visual Intelligence can describe game environments to visually impaired users, improving accessibility.

For Professionals and Creatives

If you use your phone for productivity, the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s large display and long battery life are major advantages. Apps like Microsoft Office, Slack and Adobe Creative Cloud run smoothly. The Action button can be set to open a note‑taking app, while the Camera Control enables quick document scanning. The N1 chip ensures fast wireless file transfers and reliable tethering during presentations.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Apple emphasises sustainability in the iPhone 17 Pro. The device is made from 30 % recycled material by weight, including 100 % recycled cobalt in the battery. The manufacturing process uses 40 % renewable electricity and packaging is 100 % fiber‑based, allowing more units per shipment and reducing carbon emissions. Apple’s trade‑in program encourages users to recycle old devices, further minimizing environmental impactapple.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max worth it in 2025?

Yes—if you want the longest battery life, the most advanced camera system, and Apple’s fastest processor. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is ideal for photographers, videographers, and power users. For most users, however, the iPhone 17 Pro delivers nearly the same experience at a lower price, while budget buyers may prefer older models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

What are the differences between the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max?

The Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch display, a bigger battery (up to 39 hours of video playback vs 33 hours), and supports storage up to 2 TB. Both models share the same A19 Pro chip and triple 48 MP camera system.

Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max support USB-C and fast charging?

Yes. It uses a USB-C port with USB-3 transfer speeds and supports up to 40 W fast charging, reaching about 50% battery in 20 minutes.

What colors does the iPhone 17 Pro Max come in?

The available colors are Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver.

How much does the iPhone 17 Pro Max cost?

Pricing starts at $1,199 for 256 GB. Other configurations include $1,399 (512 GB), $1,599 (1 TB), and $1,799 (2 TB).

Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max still have a SIM tray?

In many regions, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is eSIM-only and no longer includes a physical SIM tray. Availability depends on your country and carrier, so check local support before purchasing.

Is the Dynamic Island different on the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

No. The Dynamic Island functions the same as on previous Pro models, expanding to show notifications, Live Activities, and background tasks.

How durable is the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

It features Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back, offering up to 3× better scratch resistance and 4× improved crack resistance. It also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Conclusion

The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents a significant refinement of Apple’s flagship formula. The forged aluminum unibody, larger battery and camera plateau usher in the company’s most durable and long‑lasting design yet. The A19 Pro chip, vapor‑chamber cooling and 12 GB RAM deliver industry‑leading performance, while the triple 48 MP camera system with 8× optical zoom and Dual Capture opens new creative possibilities. With up to 39 hours of video playback and 40 W fast charging, the Pro Max sets a new endurance record for iPhones.

However, these innovations come at a premium price. If you don’t need the extra screen size or battery life, the smaller iPhone 17 Pro offers most of the same features for $100 less. And if budget is a concern, older models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max still deliver excellent cameras and performance at a lower cost. Ultimately, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the most capable iPhone yet, but whether it’s right for you depends on your priorities. We hope this review helps you make an informed decision.

About the Author

Wiredu Fred is a technology writer and founder of FrediTech, a blog dedicated to in‑depth gadget reviews, tech tips and industry analysis. He has written extensively about Apple products, smartphones, laptops and emerging technologies. His work combines meticulous research with real‑world experience to help readers make smarter purchasing decisions.