iPhone 17 Pro Max to launch on 9 September: Price, specs and what to expect

Apple has officially announced that its highly anticipated hardware event, titled "Awe Dropping," will take place at its Cupertino, California headquarters on September 9, mirroring last year's schedule. The tech titan is poised to introduce four new models during this annual showcase: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Among these, the iPhone 17 Pro series is generating the most buzz, expected to feature a significant redesign along with a host of exciting upgrades. This year, consumers can anticipate a $50 price increase for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, attributed to rising production costs following recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. Consequently, the starting prices are projected to be $1,049 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,249 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Notably, the design overhaul for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup is anticipated to be dramatic, particularly with the potential elimination of the traditional squarish camera island in favor of a sleek horizontal arrangement that spans the entire back of the device. Additionally, Apple might be moving away from the signature Titanium finish that characterized the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro series, opting instead for a stylish half-glass, half-aluminium finish. In terms of aesthetic, a new vibrant Orange color variant is expected to be introduced, marking a departure from Apple's historically muted palette. Alongside this striking color, there will likely be four other options available: black, white, grey, and dark blue. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to maintain their respective sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.8 inches. However, a new anti-reflective coating for the front glass is rumored to enhance durability and reduce glare, though it remains uncertain if this feature will be ready in time for launch. Changes to the Dynamic Island feature may also be on the horizon, possibly making it slightly smaller. On the photography front, the iPhone 17 series is set to debut a new 24MP front-facing camera, a significant upgrade from the previous 12MP sensor. This enhancement aims to improve detail retention and allow for up to 2x cropping without quality loss. Furthermore, the Pro series might also include a 48MP telephoto lens, potentially making these models the only iPhones equipped with a 48MP triple camera system. The battery capacity for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to see a substantial increase, rumored to reach 5,000mAh, compared to last year’s 4,676mAh. Additionally, for the first time, the Pro models may support reverse wireless charging capabilities at 7.5W. Fast charging is also on the agenda, with support for 45W wired and 25W wireless charging, even using third-party chargers. Lastly, the new iPhone 17 Pro lineup is anticipated to operate on Apple's latest A19 Pro chipset, manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3nm process. An increase in RAM to 12GB from 8GB in the previous generation is also expected, which will enhance the phones' ability to handle Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26 and improve multitasking performance. Stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 17's features, pricing, and launch details.