The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Air are expected to have several key differences, despite sharing similar dimensions in terms of length, width, screen size, and bezels. Here are the main distinctions:
1. Thickness: The most notable difference is in thickness. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to be 8.725mm thick, which is slightly thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (8.25mm), while the iPhone 17 Air is remarkably slim at just 5.5mm[1][2][7]. This significant difference in thickness could be due to the Pro Max's potential larger battery or a redesigned camera system[1][7].
2. Camera System: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a more advanced camera setup, possibly including a large rectangular camera module similar to Google's design, with multiple lenses such as a 48-megapixel Wide, Ultra Wide, and Tetraprism Telephoto camera[3][5]. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a simpler camera setup, possibly with just a single 48MP rear camera, lacking the ultrawide and telephoto lenses found in Pro models[1].
3. Display Size: Although both models share similar dimensions, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to have a larger 6.9-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Air might feature a slightly smaller 6.7-inch screen[2][4]. Both models are likely to use OLED technology with enhanced features like ProMotion and improved brightness[5].
4. Battery Capacity: The increased thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro Max could accommodate a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life compared to the iPhone 17 Air, which might have a smaller battery due to its slim design[1][2].
5. Performance and Features: Both models are expected to use Apple's A19 chip, but the Pro Max might offer additional features like improved cooling systems and possibly more RAM (12GB) compared to the standard models[3][5]. The iPhone 17 Air, being a more streamlined version,
Citations:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/tech/iphone-17-pro-max-rumor-175719296.html
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/07/iphone-17-air-same-size-iphone-16-pro-max/
[3] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/04/iphone-17-pro-features-rumors/
[4] https://www.phonearena.com/phones/compare/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max,Apple-iPhone-17-Air/phones/12496,12559
[5] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-17/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1AdZB0yVl8
[7] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/apple-iphone-17-lineup-revealed-in-new-video-leak-what-they-could-look-like
[8] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/03/07/whats-in-store-for-the-iphone-17-pro-and-pro-max-this-fall
[9] https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/10/iphone-17-ultra-might-be-happening-this-year-after-all-heres-why/