I tested the iPhone 17 Pro Max and my only quibble was with its design

Price at Review Time

$1,199 (256GB) | $1,399 (512GB) | $1,599 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB)

Today’s Best Prices: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple has taken a different approach with its iPhone offerings this year. Traditionally, we see a standard iPhone model, a Plus version, and multiple Pro variants. This time, however, the Plus has been replaced by a sleek iPhone Air, and both the iPhone 17 Pro models have undergone significant design changes.

This new design is quite polarizing. Many people I’ve spoken to absolutely love it. Conversely, some, including myself, may feel hesitant about the dual-textured finish, longing for the sleekness of previous iPhone Pro models. Nonetheless, if you’re after the pinnacle of what Apple offers in its smartphones, then the iPhone 17 Pro models are the way to go.

The starting price for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is set at £1,199, rising to £1,999 for the new 2TB model. Is Apple’s most extravagant iPhone worth the price? I’ve been testing it prior to its release, and here are my insights.

Design and Build Quality

• Aluminium frame with glass, IP68 rated
• Weight: 231g; Thickness: 8.75mm
• Ceramic Shield 2 on front, Ceramic Shield on back

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max presents a markedly different look compared to its predecessor. Although I’ve grown more fond of it over the past few weeks, I still perceive it as a rugged and more masculine design that gives the impression it’s encased already. It does convey a professional feel but, personally, I prefer the understated elegance of the iPhone Air and regular iPhone 17.

That said, design is subjective. Most individuals I speak with cherish its updated style. I’m reviewing the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro Max here, while my other unit is the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro, which certainly stands out more.

The Silver model accentuates the dual-material finish on the back, while the Blue hides it better. Interestingly, there’s no black variant this year for either the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max.

Apple has shifted from a titanium frame in the iPhone 16 Pro Max to aluminium. The frame features flat edges and rounded corners, integrating nicely with the camera housing on the back. The top left still accommodates the three camera lenses, but now the LiDAR sensor and flash module are repositioned to the right side. Despite its bulky appearance, it balances well and remains stable.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s frame has already marked up.

Underneath the camera housing is a glass panel that is somewhat color-matched but does not blend perfectly. This creates that dual-textured aesthetic, appealing to some and potentially jarring to others. Similar to the iPhone 16 Pro, this model includes a customizable Action Button located on the top-left edge, which I regularly use for launching WhatsApp, while the touch-sensitive Camera Control button is conveniently situated along the bottom right edge.

Especially with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, I use the Camera Control button frequently because of its accessibility for quickly snapping photos with one hand. However, this device is not compact, and for users with smaller hands, handling it comfortably may require two hands. Additionally, it’s heavier than the previous year’s model, the titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The titanium frame felt sturdier; my iPhone 16 Pro Max, despite constant use and drops, has remained unscathed. In comparison, I’ve already noticed a scuff on the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s frame, though the screen came out unscathed after a fall.

Display and Audio

• 6.9-inch, 120Hz, 2868 x 1320, OLED screen
• Peak brightness of 3000 nits
• Stereo speakers

The display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, measuring 6.9 inches, is truly magnificent. One-handed usage can be challenging as it’s difficult to navigate to the top, but it’s fantastic for anything from streaming Netflix to reading articles. The contrast is excellent with deep blacks, bright whites, and vibrant colors, combined with optimal viewing angles ensuring clarity even at odd angles. The text and icons appear crystal clear, making everything easily readable.

ProMotion technology ensures seamless scrolling thanks to refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This enhancement is noticeable not only during gaming but also while scrolling through news or social media feeds. While commonly found across flagship and mid-range devices, it’s still refreshing.

While similar praise could be extended to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro Max shines with its enhanced brightness. It offers a maximum brightness of 3000 nits, proving invaluable while using the device in bright conditions. I found its exceptional brightness truly helpful while using it in sunny Hawaii.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max also boasts improved protective features, including Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is three times more resistant to scratches than the previous version. Although this claim is hard to verify without purposely scratching it, I can confidently say I haven’t encountered any scratches through a month of extensive use.

I must also mention the Dynamic Island feature. Although not new, having debuted three years ago, it has become an indispensable part of my daily use; it excels while managing music or addressing ongoing calls and timers. I’m delighted that it’s still a part of the experience.

The speaker setup remains unchanged from the iPhone 16 Pro, featuring stereo speakers positioned on both sides of the USB-C port. While they may not rival a quality Bluetooth speaker, they’re sufficiently capable for watching videos, listening to voice notes, or taking hands-free calls.

Specifications and Performance

• Apple A19 Pro chip
• 12GB RAM
• Up to 2TB storage options

Equipped with Apple’s latest A19 Pro processor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers smooth and consistent performance. Tasks such as launching apps or swiping between various operations are seamless, with no lag during gaming or photo editing.

On benchmarking, the A19 Pro falls short against the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in forthcoming Android flagships. However, in practical usage, the iPhone 17 Pro Max performs brilliantly.

A vapor chamber is newly included in the iPhone, effectively managing heat during sustained usage. After an hour of gaming, the iPhone 17 Pro Max feels significantly cooler than my iPhone 16 Pro Max during the same session.

I have the 2TB model for my review unit, which currently holds 65,000 photos, 2,500 videos, and 263 apps, with 1.84TB of space remaining.

On the storage front, the iPhone 17 Pro Max begins with 256GB, with options up to 2TB available exclusively for this model. I utilize the 2TB variant; for reference, despite having a massive library of photos, videos, and applications, I still have ample space left. It is speculated that the device has 12GB of RAM.

Additionally, the new N1 chip is integrated to manage wireless networking, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, aiming to enhance performance and reliability, especially while using AirDrop or connecting multiple devices to your iPhone hotspot. While I couldn’t discern any major differences compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I’m pleased to report that my networking experience has been trouble-free.

Benchmarking the iPhone 17 Pro Max

Camera System

• 48MP primary camera with f/1.78 sensor
• 48MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 sensor
• 48MP telephoto camera with f/1.78 sensor
• 18MP front camera with f/1.9 lens featuring Centre Stage

The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a tri-camera setup consisting of a 48-megapixel main lens, 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens.

Notoriously, the iPhone Pro series has set high standards for photography and videography, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max continues this legacy. Photographic outputs across all three lenses are remarkable, showcasing accurate color representation and consistency.

Whether under ample lighting or low-light conditions, the iPhone 17 Pro Max captures stunning images with its signature point-and-shoot ease. It’s extraordinarily challenging to take a poor-quality photo, whether you’re capturing precious moments of family, pets, or picturesque landscapes.

For more advanced photographers, the device offers multiple focal options, ranging from macro to 200mm. Default images are recorded at 24-megapixels, although you can adjust to full 48-megapixels through settings if desired.

It’s hard to capture a bad photo!

The 8x optical zoom functionality, available on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is impressive, enabling closer shots of distant subjects while maintaining excellent detail.

Furthermore, the front camera has seen upgrades as well, now featuring an 18-megapixel sensor equipped with Centre Stage technology, allowing for dynamically adjusting framing during selfies and video calls when your position changes. Automatic framing adjusts if additional people enter the frame.

Another practical addition is the new square sensor that enables horizontal or vertical selfies without needing to rotate the device. On-screen buttons allow users to toggle orientation, resulting in enhanced selfie quality—both detail-wise and in terms of clarity about where to focus your gaze.

Regarding video capabilities, both the front and rear cameras support simultaneous recording through a new Dual Capture function. This feature is incredibly useful for capturing reactions during live events, like concerts or sports events.

Battery and Charging Features

• Up to 37 hours of usage
• 40W wired charging capabilities
• 20W for wireless charging

For those seeking the best battery life in an iPhone, the Pro Max has consistently been the go-to choice. While I’ve always rated the iPhone Plus models for their performance in this department, it’s absent this year. Thankfully, the iPhone 17 Pro Max excels in battery life.

Apple claims up to 37 hours of video playback, and while I can’t verify this figure simply due to time constraints, it easily lasted through my full days. After waking around 6AM, I typically put my phone to charge around midnight, with remaining battery often hovering above 20%.

Battery longevity varies user to user, but generally, during review periods, I find that phones experience more intensive usage. There’s camera testing, benchmark runs, and feature trials involved. Most users should comfortably make it through a day and into the next without charging.

On the charging front, while Apple hasn’t matched the blazing speeds of Xiaomi or OnePlus, the iPhone 17 Pro Max does support faster wired and wireless charging. Using a 40W charger, you can achieve 50% charge in 20 minutes—sufficient for a quick boost.

As has been customary for a few years, the phone is sold without a charger, so you’ll need to have your own. It does support 20W wireless charging and 30W with MagSafe.

Software and Applications

• iOS 26
• Typically provides 7 years of software updates

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max operates on iOS 26, featuring various enhancements and what is possibly the most significant redesign since iOS 7. Named Liquid Glass, the new aesthetic includes more translucent icons and menus, emulating the appearance of glass layers, applying not only to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The new design of iOS 26 introduces many features

Models including both the latest and older, going back to the iPhone 11, run on iOS 26. Interaction is smoother and resembles a magnifying approach over text.

The redesign comes with several new features, including improved snooze duration settings (a personal favorite), a revamped Phone app, and a streamlined Camera app. You can also customize backgrounds in Messages, access a new Games app, and enjoy features like Auto Mix in Apple Music for uninterrupted play.

Moreover, Apple has added intelligence features such as enhanced automation through Shortcuts and Visual Intelligence for screen interpretation. For instance, screenshotting an event prompts Visual Intelligence to suggest adding it to your calendar.

Overall, the software experience with the iPhone 17 Pro Max is smooth, despite waiting for a more advanced Siri to rival the likes of Gemini Live.

While several native apps are pre-installed, you can freely uninstall any that aren’t to your liking in favor of alternatives. I would recommend sticking to Apple’s stock apps as many of the new software functionalities integrate better with these applications.

While Apple doesn’t disclose the specific duration of software support, a reasonable estimate is approximately seven years. Thus, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is projected to receive updates until 2030 and possibly beyond.

Pricing and Availability

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max was officially announced on September 9 and became available for purchase on September 19. It offers three color choices: Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange, along with four storage alternatives of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, beginning at £1,199. The pricing tier continues with £1,399 for 512GB, £1,599 for 1TB, and £1,999 for the 2TB model.

It can be acquired through various retailers, including Apple, Amazon, Very, as well as mobile carriers like EE and Vodafone.

In the US, starting prices commence at $1,199 for the 256GB variant, with availability from various retailers including Apple itself.

Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Worth It?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is an outstanding smartphone that leaves little to the imagination in terms of complaints. While the dual-texture design may not be universally loved and the phone is relatively hefty, particularly compared to last year’s lighter titanium iteration, these are minor issues.

What truly shines is the brilliant display, stellar performance, and exceptional camera capabilities on both the front and the back. Battery life is commendably good, providing ample power through full days and into the evening without issue.

Its high price is to be expected, especially if you’re contemplating the purchase. The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents the pinnacle of what Apple offers, and while the smaller iPhone 17 Pro faces tough competition from the standard iPhone 17, nothing in Apple’s lineup can stand up to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, not even the more slender iPhone Air.

Specifications

• iOS 26
• 6.9-inch, 1-120Hz LTPO AMOLED display
• Apple A19 Pro processor
• 12GB RAM
• Storage options: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
• 48Mp main camera with f/1.78, OIS
• 48Mp ultra-wide camera with f/2.2
• 48Mp telephoto camera with f/1.78
• 18Mp front camera with f/1.9
• Battery life: Up to 37 hours
• Wired charging: 40W
• Wireless charging: 20W
• Stereo speakers
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• Ceramic Shield glass on back
• Ceramic Shield 2 on front
• 5G support
• Dimensions: 163.4 x 78 x 8.75 mm
• Weight: 231g