Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro Max adds a variable-aperture main camera, a faster A20 Pro chip and about six more hours of rated video playback, but it keeps the 17 Pro Max's display, ultra wide and 4x telephoto, and only the 17 Pro Max is sold on Amazon in the US today.
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Side by side
| Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" Super Retina XDR, 2868x1320, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.9" Super Retina XDR, 2868x1320, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor | A20 Pro | A19 Pro Bionic |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB-2TB | 256GB-2TB |
| Battery | Up to 45hr video | Up to 39hr video |
| Camera | 48MP main (ƒ/1.48 to ƒ/4.0 variable) + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP 4x (100mm) telephoto | 48MP main (ƒ/1.78) + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP 4x (100mm) telephoto |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
On paper these two phones share more than they differ. Both use a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR panel at 2868 by 1320 with 120Hz ProMotion and 3000 nits of outdoor peak brightness, both carry three 48MP rear cameras, and both use the same 100mm (4x) ƒ/2.8 telephoto with 8x optical-quality zoom and the same 13mm ƒ/2.2 ultra wide. Storage tops out at 2TB on each. The upgrades sit in three places. First, the 18 Pro Max's main camera gains a six-blade variable aperture that steps between ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8 and ƒ/4.0, where the 17 Pro Max's main camera is fixed at ƒ/1.78. Stopping down gives optical depth of field for group shots, landscapes and close-ups instead of relying on software blur, and opening up to ƒ/1.48 gathers more light at night. Second, Apple rates the 18 Pro Max for up to 45 hours of video playback against up to 39 hours for the 17 Pro Max, which Apple calls its largest battery-life increase ever. Third, the A20 Pro brings what Apple rates as up to 40 percent faster graphics, 50 percent more memory bandwidth and a larger vapor chamber for sustained loads such as long 4K ProRes recording or extended gaming. The trade-offs are weight, 249 grams against 233, and where you can buy: the 18 Pro Max is sold through Apple and carriers, while the 17 Pro Max can be ordered on Amazon now.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Variable-aperture 48MP main camera (ƒ/1.48 to ƒ/4.0) for optical depth-of-field control
- Up to 45 hours of video playback, versus 39 on the iPhone 17 Pro Max (Apple ratings)
- A20 Pro: up to 40% faster GPU and 50% more memory bandwidth, per Apple
- Redesigned vapor chamber for up to 40% better sustained performance, per Apple
- Not sold on Amazon US yet: Apple and carriers only
- Same 6.9-inch 120Hz display and 48MP 4x telephoto as the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 249g (8.78 oz), 16g heavier than the 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Best-in-class video recording
- 4K 120fps smooth capture
- Zero shutter lag
- Spatial photo/video for Vision Pro
- Premium flagship price
- 12GB RAM less than Android
- Slower charging than competitors
Which should you buy?
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you shoot a lot of stills and want real optical depth-of-field control, record long sessions away from a charger, or are upgrading from an iPhone 15 Pro Max or older and plan to keep the phone for several years; for now that means buying from Apple or a carrier. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want nearly the same display, zoom and video feature set at a generation-old price, or you would rather order through Amazon today. If you already own a 17 Pro Max, the upgrade is only worth it if the extra battery life or the variable aperture matters to how you shoot.
Choose the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max if
- Photographers who want optical depth-of-field control
- Heavy video shooters
- Buyers upgrading from an iPhone 15 Pro Max or older
Skip it if
- Shoppers who want to buy on Amazon today
- iPhone 17 Pro Max owners (incremental upgrade)
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- Photography enthusiasts
- Video creators
- Apple ecosystem users
Skip it if
- Budget conscious
- Fast charging needs
Common questions
Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max sold on Amazon?
Not in the US as of October 2026. Apple released it on September 18, 2026 through apple.com, Apple Stores and carriers. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is available on Amazon, and this page will link the 18 Pro Max on Amazon once a new (not renewed) listing appears.
What is the biggest camera difference between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The main camera's variable aperture. The 18 Pro Max's 48MP main camera can shoot at ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8 or ƒ/4.0, while the 17 Pro Max's 48MP main camera is fixed at ƒ/1.78. The 48MP ultra wide (13mm, ƒ/2.2) and the 48MP 4x telephoto (100mm, ƒ/2.8) have the same focal lengths and apertures on both phones.
How much longer does the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery last?
Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to 45 hours of video playback and the iPhone 17 Pro Max for up to 39 hours, so about six hours more on Apple's own test. Apple also quotes up to 50 percent charge in around 15 minutes for the 18 Pro Max with a 60W adapter.