Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Price, Camera, Display, Design, and Other Changes to Expect

As Apple gears up for its annual iPhone launch in September 2025, anticipation is building for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. These premium models are expected to bring significant upgrades over their predecessors, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, with improvements in camera technology, display efficiency, design materials, and performance. While the two models will share many features, differences in size, battery capacity, and potentially exclusive features will set them apart. Based on the latest rumors and leaks, here’s a comprehensive comparison of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, covering price, camera, display, design, and other expected changes.

Price: Will Costs Rise?

Pricing for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max remains speculative, but Apple has maintained consistent pricing for its Pro lineup in recent years. However, rising component costs and new features could prompt a slight increase.

• iPhone 17 Pro: Expected to start at $999, matching the iPhone 16 Pro’s base price for the 128GB model. Some sources suggest a potential $100 hike due to upgraded cameras, increased RAM, and other enhancements, but Apple may absorb these costs to stay competitive.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Likely to start at $1,199 for 256GB, preserving the $200 premium over the Pro model. Like the Pro, a price increase is possible but not confirmed.

Exact pricing will depend on storage configurations and market dynamics. For the most accurate details, check Apple’s official website or authorized retailers like AT&T, Verizon, or Best Buy closer to the launch. Historically, Apple announces pricing during its September keynote, so mark your calendars for early September 2025.

Camera: A Leap in Photography

Apple’s Pro iPhones are known for their cutting-edge camera systems, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to take things to the next level with a redesigned camera module and higher-resolution sensors.

Shared Camera Features

Both models are expected to feature a triple-lens rear camera system, all boasting 48MP sensors:

• Main Camera: A 48MP sensor with improved computational photography for better low-light performance and dynamic range.
• Ultrawide Camera: Upgraded to 48MP from 12MP in the iPhone 16 Pro series, enabling sharper ultra-wide shots and enhanced macro photography.
• Telephoto Camera: Also 48MP, a significant jump from the 12MP telephoto in prior models, potentially offering improved optical zoom (possibly 5x or higher) and better portrait effects.

The front-facing camera is rumored to upgrade to 24MP, doubling the resolution of the 12MP selfie camera in the iPhone 16 Pro series. This should result in crisper selfies and enhanced video call quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

The camera module itself is expected to undergo a design overhaul, moving from the triangular lens arrangement to a larger, rectangular bump. Some leaks suggest the bump may be made of aluminum rather than glass, improving durability. This redesign could also house larger sensors or new lens technology, further boosting image quality.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Exclusives

While both models will share the same core camera specs, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may include exclusive enhancements:

• Advanced Telephoto Lens: Rumors hint at a more sophisticated telephoto system, possibly with a higher optical zoom range or improved stabilization, exclusive to the Pro Max.
• Camera Visor Design: Some sources mention a “camera visor” concept for the Pro Max, which could involve a unique lens arrangement or coating to reduce flare and improve light capture.

Camera Changes

The shift to 48MP across all rear lenses is a bold move, positioning the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as photography powerhouses. The redesigned camera bump and potential aluminum construction suggest Apple is prioritizing both aesthetics and durability. The 24MP front camera will appeal to selfie enthusiasts and content creators, while features like enhanced Night Mode, ProRAW, and AI-driven editing tools (powered by iOS 19) will likely round out the package.

Display: Bigger, Brighter, and More Efficient

Apple’s displays are among the best in the industry, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to refine the formula with slightly larger screens and improved technology.

iPhone 17 Pro Display

• Size: Expected to feature a 6.3-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, up from the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 16 Pro. This modest increase offers more screen real estate without compromising one-handed use.
• Technology: 120Hz ProMotion for smooth scrolling and animations, with always-on display capabilities.
• Upgrades: Rumored to be more power-efficient, potentially with higher brightness (exceeding the 2,000 nits of the iPhone 16 Pro) and improved anti-reflective coatings for better outdoor visibility.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Display

• Size: Likely to retain a 6.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max, ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
• Technology: Also equipped with 120Hz ProMotion and always-on functionality.
• Exclusives: May feature a smaller Dynamic Island, reducing the notch’s footprint and maximizing usable screen space. This could be exclusive to the Pro Max, at least initially.

Display Changes

Both models will benefit from evolutionary display upgrades, such as thinner bezels and improved power efficiency, thanks to advancements in OLED technology. The Pro’s slightly larger 6.3-inch screen makes it more competitive with larger Android flagships, while the Pro Max’s 6.9-inch display remains a draw for users who prioritize screen size. The smaller Dynamic Island, if exclusive to the Pro Max, would be a notable differentiator, paving the way for a future notch-free design.

Design: A Shift in Materials and Aesthetics

Apple’s design language evolves subtly each year, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to introduce a mix of familiar and fresh elements.

Shared Design Features

• Materials: A surprising shift from titanium to aluminum frames is rumored, potentially reducing weight and production costs but possibly affecting the premium feel of prior Pro models. The back will likely retain a glass lower half for wireless charging, with the upper half (around the camera module) possibly aluminum.
• Camera Bump: As mentioned, a larger rectangular camera bump will replace the triangular design, giving the phones a distinct look.
• Colors: New color options are expected, though specific shades remain unconfirmed. Apple typically offers muted, professional tones for its Pro lineup, like black, silver, gold, or a deep blue.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Design

• Size and Weight: The Pro Max may be slightly thicker to accommodate a larger battery, adding marginal weight compared to the Pro.
• Dynamic Island: As noted, a smaller Dynamic Island could be a Pro Max exclusive, enhancing the front design.
• Build: Otherwise identical to the Pro in terms of materials and finishes.

Design Changes

The move to aluminum frames is a bold departure from the titanium used in the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro series, potentially driven by cost or supply chain considerations. The redesigned camera bump and mixed-material back (glass and aluminum) suggest Apple is experimenting with durability and aesthetics. The Pro Max’s thicker body and smaller Dynamic Island could make it feel like the more premium option, despite the shared material shift.

Other Changes: Performance, Battery, and More

Beyond cameras, displays, and design, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to pack several under-the-hood improvements.

Performance

• Chip: Both models will likely feature the A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process for better performance and efficiency. This should deliver faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and enhanced AI capabilities.
• RAM: An upgrade to 12GB of RAM (from 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro series) will support advanced multitasking and Apple Intelligence features, such as improved Siri and on-device AI processing.
• Storage: Expected to start at 128GB for the Pro and 256GB for the Pro Max, with options up to 1TB.

Battery

• iPhone 17 Pro: No specific battery size increase is rumored, but efficiency gains from the A19 Pro and display tech could extend battery life slightly.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: A larger battery is expected due to the thicker design, potentially offering longer endurance than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (around 4,700mAh). Exact capacity remains unconfirmed.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both models will reportedly include an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth combo chip, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better reliability compared to the Wi-Fi 6E in the iPhone 16 series.
• 5G: Enhanced 5G modems (possibly Apple’s own) could improve cellular performance, especially in low-signal areas.

Software

• iOS 19: Expected to ship with iOS 19, introducing new AI-driven features, interface refinements, and deeper integration with Apple Intelligence. Specific details are scarce, but expect enhancements to Siri, Photos, and productivity apps.

Other Features

• Charging: Likely to retain USB-C with faster charging speeds (possibly up to 30W wired) and MagSafe compatibility.
• Durability: Ceramic Shield glass and IP68 water/dust resistance will remain standard.
• Audio: Improved stereo speakers and microphones for better media and call quality.

Summary: Which Should You Choose?

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are shaping up to be powerful, feature-packed devices with significant upgrades over the iPhone 16 series. Here’s a quick recap of their key differences and shared features:

• iPhone 17 Pro: Offers a 6.3-inch display, ideal for users who want a compact yet premium device. It shares the same 48MP triple-camera system, A19 Pro chip, and 12GB RAM as the Pro Max but may lack exclusives like a smaller Dynamic Island or advanced telephoto lens. Expected to start at $999.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Boasts a larger 6.9-inch display, bigger battery, and potentially unique features like a smaller Dynamic Island or enhanced telephoto camera. Its $1,199 starting price reflects the premium size and features.
• Shared Upgrades: Aluminum frames, redesigned rectangular camera bump, 24MP front camera, Wi-Fi 7, and iOS 19 with enhanced AI capabilities.

What’s New Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Series?

• Camera: 48MP across all rear lenses (vs. 12MP telephoto/ultrawide), 24MP front camera (vs. 12MP).
• Design: Aluminum frames (vs. titanium), larger rectangular camera bump.
• Display: 6.3-inch Pro (vs. 6.1-inch), smaller Dynamic Island (possibly Pro Max only).
• Performance: A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM (vs. 8GB).
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Apple-designed modem.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17 Pro is ideal for those who want a high-end iPhone without the bulk, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max caters to users who prioritize a larger screen, longer battery life, and potentially exclusive camera features. The shift to aluminum frames and a redesigned camera module may spark debate among fans of the titanium aesthetic, but the performance and camera upgrades should make both models compelling.

For the latest updates, keep an eye on Apple’s September 2025 keynote or trusted sources like MacRumors, CNET, or 9to5Mac. As the launch approaches, more leaks may clarify pricing, exclusive features, and color options, helping you decide which iPhone 17 Pro model is right for you.

Note: All details are based on rumors and leaks as of May 19, 2025, and are subject to change. For official specifications and pricing, refer to Apple’s announcements at launch.