Apple’s much anticipated iPhone 17 series launch is just around the corner, with the company confirming its annual hardware showcase titled Awe Dropping for September 9. As always, the spotlight will fall on the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Pro Max as Apple’s most advanced smartphone to date. But how much of a leap forward will this new model be compared to its predecessor? Let us dive into the most exciting upgrades that are rumored to make the iPhone 17 Pro Max a true game changer.
1. The largest iPhone battery ever
The iPhone 17 Pro Max could finally address one of the biggest demands from Apple fans — better battery life. Leaks suggest the device may pack a massive 5,000mAh battery, up from the 4,676mAh unit on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This increase would make it the largest battery ever seen on an iPhone. However, the added capacity could slightly increase the phone’s thickness, taking it from 8.25mm to around 8.75mm. For heavy users, this tradeoff may be well worth it.
2. A major upgrade to the selfie camera
Apple is said to be equipping the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a brand new 24MP selfie camera, a big jump from the 12MP front lens found on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This should result in sharper and more detailed photos, along with the ability to crop images by up to two times without sacrificing quality — a big win for selfie enthusiasts and content creators.
3. A triple 48MP camera system
The rear camera system is getting a serious boost. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max featured two 48MP lenses and a 12MP telephoto, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to go all in with a triple 48MP setup. The telephoto lens will also get an upgrade, although it will shift from a 5x optical zoom to 3.5x zoom. While some may see this as a downgrade, it could actually improve portrait photography by making zoomed shots look more natural. Even more exciting, the Pro models are tipped to support 8K video recording for the very first time.
4. Bold new fiery orange color
For years Apple has leaned toward subtle tones for its Pro models, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max might break tradition. A fiery orange variant is expected to join the lineup, giving buyers a fresh and bold option alongside the usual black, silver, gray, and dark blue finishes.
5. A complete design makeover
One of the biggest rumored changes is Apple’s decision to move away from the square camera island design. The iPhone 17 Pro Max may instead feature a horizontal camera arrangement, a significant design shift that could become a defining feature of this generation. Alongside this, Apple may drop the titanium build used on the iPhone 16 Pro Max in favor of a sleek glass and aluminum finish.
6. A refined display experience
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to maintain its 6.8 inch ProMotion 120Hz display, but Apple is rumored to be working on ways to make it even better. Reports suggest the company is developing scratch resistant, anti reflective coatings, though these may arrive in the iPhone 18 series. Another interesting possibility is a smaller Dynamic Island, which would make the screen feel more immersive and modern.
7. Powering ahead with the A19 Pro chipset
At the heart of the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely be the all new A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process for improved efficiency and performance. Apple is also expected to bump up the RAM from 8GB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 12GB on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This will make multitasking smoother and enhance the performance of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26. To handle demanding tasks without overheating, the device may also include a vapor cooling chamber, ensuring consistent performance even during long gaming or creative sessions.
Final thoughts
With a bigger battery, triple 48MP cameras, bold new color options, and the powerful A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro Max looks set to be Apple’s most ambitious iPhone yet. The redesign alone could be enough to make it feel fresh and distinct from past models. All eyes will be on Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9, where these rumors will finally be put to rest.
For more exciting updates on Apple, smartphones, and the latest tech innovations, make sure to follow Tech Moves on Instagram and Facebook. Stay connected and never miss the biggest stories in tech.
