Tim Hardwick
With rumors of Apple planning to add a whole new high-end level to the iPhone 17 series in 2025, this could be the year Apple unveils its boldest “Pro Max” model yet – a sort of upgrade to the iPhone 16 that surpasses their brothers both figuratively and literally.
If you were waiting for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, here are the five biggest changes rumored to be coming to Apple's biggest smartphone. The iPhone 16 series is expected to launch in the fall, around mid-September. See all the details in our special review.
1. Larger size
6.9 inches
According to multiple sources, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will increase in size, potentially making it Apple's largest iPhone ever. The device will measure 6.9 inches (up from 6.7 inches) and is expected to be taller and wider than last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max. The thickness will remain the same, but the weight will increase slightly due to the larger size. To be precise, this will be the first increase in iPhone size since the iPhone 12 series, but it will also be another blow to those users who prefer a smaller phone.
2. Large screen
Thin borders
It's logical to assume that a larger device would have a larger display, but Apple isn't just relying on larger physical dimensions to make the viewing experience more immersive. In its iPhone 16 Pro models, Apple is reported to use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, which allows for more compact and efficient placement of circuitry under the display, resulting in even thinner bezels. Last year, Apple reduced the bezels on iPhone 15 Pro models using a low-injection molding (LIPO) process to reduce the size of the display border to 1.5 millimeters (compared to about 2.2 millimeters on iPhone 14 models).
3. Big Camera
Two 48 MP lenses
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to feature a more advanced rear camera that is 12% larger, featuring a custom 48-megapixel Sony IMX903 sensor with a layered design for improved performance and a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). for high quality image data conversion and Digital Gain Control (DCG) for improved dynamic range and noise control. It is also said to feature a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, compared to the 12-megapixel lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
4. Large battery capacity
Extended lifespan
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will use battery cells with increased energy density, which should provide longer lifespan batteries, perhaps even using the same size battery as existing models. Early rumors also suggest that both iPhone 16 Pro models will use stacked battery technology, which could result in higher capacity and longer lifespan. Other rumors suggest that this year's iPhone 16 Pro Max will have even longer battery life – over 30 hours (compared to 29 hours for the iPhone 15 Pro Max).
5. More memory
More terabytes
Rumors from Korea suggest that future Apple iPhone 16 Pro models will be available with a new maximum storage capacity of 2 TB. will put them on par with the iPad Pro. The move is said to be a result of Apple's recent move to higher-density quad-level cell (QLC) NAND flash for higher-memory models. Using Apple QLC NAND could allow Apple to fit more memory into less space, and it's cheaper than the triple-layer cell (TLC) NAND that current iPhones use.
Related review: iPhone 16 Pro [87 comments]
