iPhone 17 Pro Max: latest news, rumors, and everything we've heard so far

TL;DR

• Rumored event date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Pre‑orders likely that Friday; retail availability the following week.

• Expected lineup: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air (ultra‑thin; likely replaces Plus), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

• Headline upgrades: ProMotion (120Hz) potentially across the lineup; new A19/A19 Pro chips; 24MP TrueDepth selfie camera; Pro models tipped to get 48MP telephoto and improved thermals; Air goes super‑slim (≈5–6mm) with a ~6.6" display.

• Quick picks: 17 Pro for balanced power/value; 17 Pro Max for camera lovers; 17 for mainstream upgraders; 17 Air for minimalists who prize thin/light design over battery.

Event at a Glance (Rumored)

• Announcement: Tue, Sept 9, 2025

• Pre‑orders open: Fri, Sept 12, 2025

• First retail date: Fri, Sept 19, 2025

(Dates based on Apple’s historical cadence and multiple industry reports.)

Lineup Overview

• iPhone 17 — the mainstream iPhone with (finally) smoother 120Hz display and upgraded selfie camera; pricing expected to remain the most accessible of the four.

• iPhone 17 Air — a new, ultra‑thin variant (~5–6mm) likely replacing the Plus; bigger screen (~6.6") with possible trade‑offs (battery/lens count) to hit the slim target.

• iPhone 17 Pro — performance sweet spot: A19 Pro, improved cameras, better thermals; the most balanced choice for power users who don’t want the size of Max.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max — the camera‑first flagship with the largest display and the most aggressive camera upgrades (e.g., higher‑res telephoto, longer zoom).

Spec Comparison (Expected / Rumored)

Legend: TBD = not yet confirmed; Rumored = likely but unconfirmed. Specs may change at launch.

Displays & Design

Performance & Connectivity

Cameras

Battery, Charging & Thermals

Model‑by‑Model Buying Advice

iPhone 17 — The Easy Upgrade for Most People

Best for: Users on iPhone 12/13/14/15 (non‑Pro) who want a modern display and better selfies without Pro pricing.
Why it’s compelling: 120Hz finally coming to the non‑Pro tier (rumored) plus a 24MP selfie camera for sharper photos and video calls.
Potential drawbacks: Chip split uncertainty (A19 vs. A18); fewer camera tricks than Pro models.
Recommendation score: 8/10.

iPhone 17 Air — The Ultra‑Thin Minimalist

Best for: Travelers and minimalists who prize thin & light above all else.
Why it’s compelling: Striking design (~5–6mm thin) and larger ~6.6" display in a featherweight body.
Potential drawbacks: Likely smaller battery; camera system may be simpler (e.g., single lens) than other models.
Recommendation score: 7.5/10 (could rise/ fall with actual battery life at launch).

iPhone 17 Pro — The Balanced Powerhouse

Best for: Creators and power users who want the new camera system and A19 Pro chip without the Max’s size.
Why it’s compelling: Rumored triple‑48MP camera setup, A19 Pro performance headroom, potentially improved thermals for sustained workloads.
Potential drawbacks: Still premium pricing; slightly smaller battery than Max.
Recommendation score: 9/10.

iPhone 17 Pro Max — The Camera‑First Flagship

Best for: Cinematic shooters, wildlife/sports photography fans, and those who want the biggest battery and display.
Why it’s compelling: Highest‑end camera (longer telephoto; possible 8K capture), largest screen, biggest battery.
Potential drawbacks: Highest price; largest and heaviest body.
Recommendation score: 9.5/10 for camera enthusiasts; 8.5/10 for everyone else.

Which One Should You Buy?

• Most people: iPhone 17 — if 120Hz and a better selfie camera arrive as rumored, it’s the mainstream sweet spot.

• Design lovers / frequent travelers: iPhone 17 Air — if you value thin/light over absolute endurance and lens versatility.

• Mobile creators / gamers: iPhone 17 Pro — top speed + strong cameras in a manageable size.

• Serious photographers / battery maximizers: iPhone 17 Pro Max — go big for the zoom, screen, and stamina.

Pricing Expectations (Subject to Change)

• iPhone 17: Starting around last year’s baseline; some reports suggest a modest uptick.

• iPhone 17 Air: Slotted above iPhone 17; could span a wider price band depending on storage.

• iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: Premium pricing, with potential upward adjustments in some regions.

Actual prices vary by market/taxes/promos; we’ll update when Apple confirms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will every model get 120Hz?
A: Multiple reports point that way, but until Apple confirms, treat it as likely—not guaranteed.

Q: Does the Air have worse battery life?
A: An ultra‑thin chassis usually means a smaller battery, so endurance may be the trade‑off. We’ll test this at launch.

Q: What’s new for the selfie camera?
A: A jump to 24MP (from 12MP) is widely rumored—sharper detail and better video conference quality.

Q: Are Pro models really getting 48MP telephoto?
A: Multiple credible reports say yes, with the Max possibly pushing zoom further and flirting with 8K video capture.

Q: Should I upgrade from iPhone 16?
A: If you want the new cameras (esp. telephoto), potentially better thermals, or the Air’s design, yes. If you’re satisfied with your 16—especially the Pro models—you could wait a cycle.

Editor’s Note

This guide reflects the latest, best‑sourced information available on Aug 19, 2025. Specs and dates remain unconfirmed until Apple’s keynote.