iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: 7 big upgrades expected at Apple event

Apple is gearing up for the launch of its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series, set to take place on September 9, during an event dubbed "Awe Dropping." The star of the show will undoubtedly be the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which aims to surpass its predecessor as the ultimate iPhone available. But just how significant will the upgrades be? One of the most notable improvements is the introduction of a larger battery, boasting 5,000mAh—an increase from the 4,676mAh battery found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This upgrade may result in a slightly thicker device, changing from 8.25mm to 8.75mm. The new series is also expected to feature a 24MP front-facing camera, a substantial upgrade from the previous 12MP lens. This enhanced selfie camera promises better image quality and the ability to crop images up to two times without losing clarity. On the rear, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to include a 48MP telephoto lens, a significant enhancement over the 12MP lens used previously. This would allow the new Pro models to showcase a triple camera setup, all at 48MP. The new telephoto lens is anticipated to offer 3.5x optical zoom, contrasting with the 5x zoom found on current models, potentially enhancing portrait photography. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to support 8K video recording, a major leap from the 4K capabilities of the iPhone 16 series. Apple might also break its tradition of muted color choices by introducing a striking fiery orange option alongside classic hues like black, gray, silver, and dark blue. In terms of design, Apple is likely to replace the current squarish camera island with a horizontal camera bump, marking a significant aesthetic change for the Pro series. Furthermore, the premium models may shift away from Titanium in favor of a new Glass Aluminium finish. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to retain a 6.8-inch ProMotion 120Hz display, similar to its predecessor, although there are whispers of a potential new anti-reflective coating that might debut in the iPhone 18 series instead. There are also speculations about a reduced size for the Dynamic Island feature, which could enhance the overall viewing experience. Under the hood, the device is expected to be powered by the new A19 Pro chipset, utilizing a 3nm process for improved performance and efficiency. With an increase in RAM from 8GB to 12GB, the iPhone 17 Pro Max should run Apple's iOS 26 more smoothly, especially for multitasking and AI features. Additionally, an advanced vapor cooling chamber is set to be included, aimed at improving heat dissipation during demanding tasks, thus preventing performance throttling. Stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 17 series, including pricing and availability details for the Pro, Pro Max, and Air models.