iPhone 17 Pro Max: Bigger Battery, Bigger Difference?
Apple’s next flagship could widen the gap between its Pro models with increased thickness for enhanced battery life.
Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max might pack a significantly larger battery than its smaller sibling, potentially creating a more compelling reason for users to choose the larger device. This could be a game changer for power users.
Thicker Design for Enhanced Battery
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be approximately 5% thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, according to sources. This increase in size would likely accommodate a larger battery, leading to extended battery life. The standard iPhone 17 Pro is not expected to see a similar increase in thickness.
Reportedly, the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s battery capacity could reach 5,000 mAh, a notable increase from the 4,676 mAh found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The thickness rumor originated from Ice Universe, a prominent leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
Camera and Dynamic Island
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to feature a trio of 48-megapixel rear cameras, along with an upgraded 24-megapixel front camera. Currently, no camera differences are expected between the two models.
Speculation that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might sport a smaller Dynamic Island compared to the standard Pro model has cooled. Sources suggest such a change might be delayed until the iPhone 18 series. A recent survey found that 68% of smartphone users prioritize battery life over camera quality when choosing a new device (Statista 2024).
Display Size
As always, the Pro Max model will have a larger display than the Pro:
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
The larger physical size of the Pro Max allows for more internal space, which is often utilized to house a larger battery, resulting in longer battery life.
Overall Outlook
While many features are expected to be shared between the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the potential for a significantly larger battery in the Pro Max could be a major selling point for users who prioritize battery life above all else. The larger screen is still expected to be a differentiating factor as well.