iPhone 17 Pro Max Release Date: When Is It Here?

Wondering what to expect from the new iPhone 17 series? This year’s range is rumored to come with four new models featuring fresh new designs, including a brand new iPhone 17 Air. Measuring just 5.5m in thickness, this ultra-slim model is set to replace the Plus.

However, one device that’s expected to stay for 2025 is the Pro Max. Apple’s premium flagship is one of two Pro models, differentiated from the base Pro by its larger display. Like the rest of the lineup, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could benefit from a variety of upgrades, including a tougher screen material and a better battery life.

But when will we learn more about these upgrades? Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 17 Pro Max release date.

What Day Will the iPhone 17 Pro Max Be Announced? 

Apple tends to follow a pattern when it comes to iPhone launches, and this year should be no different. The iPhone 16 was announced on Monday September 9 2024 at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” keynote event, while Tuesday September 5 2023 was reserved for the iPhone 15 announcement. 

From this, it’s clear to see that Apple launches its newest iPhone range, including the Pro models, in the second week of September, after Labor Day. Announcements also usually come during the first half of the week, mainly avoiding Fridays.

Rumors point to this year’s keynote event taking place during the week starting Monday September 8. And although Monday is a possibility, Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 both look more likely. This puts the iPhone 17 Pro Max potential announcement window between September 8 and 10 2025. 

When is the iPhone 17 Pro Max Release Date?

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Pro Max began just four days after It’s Glowtime, opening on Friday September 13 2024. We’re expecting a similar timeline this year, with 17 Pro Max online pre-orders potentially going live on Friday September 12 2025.

The official shipping and release date could then be Friday September 19, meaning you could get your hands on the iPhone 17 Pro Max just next month!

6 Rumored Upgrades for the iPhone 17 Pro Max

Alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple’s other 17 models is talk of a foldable iPhone that could launch as soon as next year. But with the latest lineup looking set to be released very soon, Apple fans are keen to see what new features they could benefit from next month.

Based on rumors and insider information, here are six big changes that could apply to the iPhone 17 Pro Max on its release date.

1. Aluminum Frame

All iPhone Pro Max models for the past two years have featured a titanium frame, upgraded from the 14 Pro’s stainless steel. This year, however, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a part-aluminium, part-glass design that would significantly boost durability.

While the glass section could house the logo and support wireless charging compatibility, the overall aluminium body would make the phone less prone to breakage. A smaller Dynamic Island could also be part of this design, alongside a horizontal camera module covering the width of the device.

2. Anti-Reflective Display

Another way that Apple could be increasing the Pro Max’s durability this year is with an improved display. Although previously ruled out due to difficulties with mass production, the latest rumors point to an iPhone 17 Pro Max with an anti-reflective display.

Like Apple’s Ceramic Shield, this should make the screen fingerprint-resistant. However, it could also be scratch-resistant, bringing Apple’s Pro Max in line with Corning’s Gorilla Glass Armor technology that features on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

3. New Color Options

The premium Pro Max range typically features more neutral colors to maintain a classic, sleek appearance. However, with the potential change from a titanium frame to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro Max also comes a new color palette.  

Desert and Natural Titanium could be switched for a Dark Blue and a coppery Orange shade, with Black and White remaining.

4. Camera Upgrades

Alongside a new camera bar, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may benefit from improvements to the lenses themselves. 

All four models could feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for higher-quality selfies, upgraded from 12MP on the iPhone 16 series. Exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, however, is a rumored 48-megapixel Telephoto camera.

A new Pro exclusive dual recording mode may also allow users to film videos with the front and rear cameras at the same time. 8K video recording could be debuted too, although this wasn’t made available on the 16 Pro series even after alleged testing.

5. More RAM

Both iPhone 17 Pro models and the new Air may feature 12GB of RAM this year, according to multiple sources. This is a significant upgrade from 8GB available on the current iPhone 16 Pro Max!

More RAM would make sense to support the new iOS 26 software, which is already confirmed to bring a new liquid glass interface and even more Apple Intelligence features. It would also work with the latest A19 Pro chip, which offers improved graphics and video rendering for the Pro Max.

6. Better Battery Life

While the iPhone 17 Air offers the thinnest design ever seen on an iPhone, the Pro Max could be slightly thicker. This would make room for a larger battery capacity for longer video playback, and better power efficiency, potentially surpassing 5000 mAh — the biggest yet!

The iPhone 17 Pro Max may also be able to achieve 25W wireless charging speeds. Rumors suggest that it would work with a variety of Qi 2.2 compatible chargers too, rather than just Apple’s latest MagSafe accessories.

While all models could offer better heat dissipation, a vapor chamber cooling system will likely be exclusive to the Pro models. This would stop the new battery from overheating, especially if we do see a larger battery capacity.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max on Its Release Date?

If the rumors are true, we could witness Apple’s biggest design shake-up of the past five years with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, we’ll need to wait until the official announcement and release date to determine for certain what to expect from the new iPhone.

There’s no doubt that last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great phone, featuring high-quality cameras and an A18 Pro chip. So, if you already own this model, you may be better off waiting until the next generation to upgrade, especially since price hikes are expected this year. Be sure to get your money’s worth from the current iPhone, then invest in the iPhone 18 or 19!

However, if you have an older iPhone or are hoping to switch from Samsung or Google, the premium 17 Pro Max is an excellent choice.