The iPhone 17 Pro Max, set to launch in September 2025, promises significant upgrades over the 2023 flagship, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. For users considering an upgrade or exploring the evolution of Apple’s Pro lineup, here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences—from design and performance to camera innovations and battery life.
Design & Build
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Leaks suggest a horizontal camera bar stretching across the back, replacing the triangular cluster. The Dynamic Island is rumored to shrink, offering more screen real estate. A thicker chassis (8.725mm vs 8.25mm) may house a larger battery.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Features a titanium frame with a raised triangular camera module and a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.
Performance & Hardware
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A19 Pro (3nm TSMC) | A17 Pro (3nm TSMC) |
| RAM | 12GB (for AI tasks) | 8GB |
| Cooling | Vapor chamber for sustained performance | Passive cooling |
| Storage | Up to 2TB (rumored) | Up to 1TB |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (Apple-designed chip) | Wi-Fi 6E |
The A19 Pro chip, built on an improved 3nm process, is expected to deliver ~40% faster CPU/GPU performance compared to the A17 Pro, thanks to a two-generation leap413. The addition of 12GB RAM and vapor chamber cooling will enhance multitasking and thermal management during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Camera Upgrades
- Rear Cameras:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 48MP Telephoto (up from 12MP) with 3.5x optical zoom and improved low-light capabilities. A rumored mechanical aperture could enable adjustable depth of field.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP Telephoto with 5x optical zoom and LiDAR for depth sensing.
- Front Camera:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 24MP TrueDepth sensor (vs 12MP on the 15 Pro Max), enhancing selfie and Face ID clarity.
- Video: Potential 8K recording and dual-video capture (front + rear simultaneously).
Battery & Charging
- Battery Life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a larger battery (exact capacity unconfirmed) due to its thicker design, extending video playback beyond the 15 Pro Max’s 29 hours.
- Charging: 35W wired charging (up from 27W peak on the 15 Pro Max), though still lagging behind Android rivals.
Software & AI
Both models will support iOS 19, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s A19 Pro chip and 12GB RAM will unlock advanced Apple Intelligence features, including real-time language translation and AI-driven camera optimizations.
Price & Availability
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Expected to start at $1,199 (same as the 15 Pro Max at launch), though rumors hint at a possible price hike713.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Now discounted (~$999) as Apple clears inventory post-iPhone 16 launch.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a generational leap for power users, offering 48MP zoom, A19 Pro performance, and all-day battery life. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a strong choice for those prioritizing value, especially with its still-excellent camera and iOS 18 support.
For detailed specs and real-world experience with Apple mobile phone batteries, we recommend you visit our website batteriesglobal.co.uk or our exclusive launch tests on our blog.