The iPhone 17 Pro Max does not exist yet
Apple has not announced an iPhone 17 Pro Max. As of early 2025, the current flagship model is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 for the base storage option. Apple typically releases new iPhone models in September each year, so an iPhone 17 would not arrive until fall 2025 at the earliest.
If you are looking for pricing on the current Pro Max model or want to understand how Apple prices its phones, this guide covers both. If you are waiting for a future release, knowing how Apple's pricing structure works can help you estimate what a new model might cost.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max, the current top-tier model, starts at $1,199 and increases by $100 for each storage tier (256GB, 512GB, 1TB).
- Apple's Pro Max pricing has stayed consistent for several years, though storage amounts and features change with each generation.
- Carrier discounts, trade-in credits, and refurbished models can lower the actual price you pay, but the official starting price remains $1,199.
- New iPhone models typically launch in September, so any iPhone 17 announcement would happen then, with pricing usually matching the previous generation's starting point.
iPhone 16 Pro Max pricing by storage capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in four storage options, each with a fixed price increase. The base model with 256GB costs $1,199. Moving up to 512GB adds $100, bringing the price to $1,299. The 1TB option costs $1,399. Apple does not offer a 128GB Pro Max model — that tier is reserved for the standard iPhone 16.
These prices are what Apple charges directly through its website and retail stores. Prices do not vary by color or finish; a titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max costs the same as a natural titanium one.
Where the price changes depending on where you buy
The official Apple price is $1,199, but what you actually pay depends on your carrier and whether you trade in an older phone. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer discounts on new iPhones when you sign a two-year contract or add a new line. These discounts typically range from $200 to $650 off the full price, but they require a may have access to trade-in or plan change.
Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart sometimes run promotions on iPhones, though discounts are usually smaller than carrier offers and often come as gift cards rather than price reductions at checkout. Refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max models sold through Apple's official refurbished store cost about 15 percent less than new ones, though availability is limited.
How Apple's Pro Max pricing has changed over time
Apple has kept the iPhone Pro Max starting price at $1,099 or $1,199 for the past five years. The iPhone 15 Pro Max launched at $1,199 in 2023. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also started at $1,099 when it launched in 2022, then Apple raised the base price to $1,199 when the iPhone 15 came out. Before that, the iPhone 13 Pro Max was $1,099.
What has changed is storage: older Pro Max models started with 128GB, while the current model starts at 256GB. This means you get more storage for the same price, though the headline number looks higher than it did a few years ago.
What to expect if an iPhone 17 Pro Max launches
If Apple releases an iPhone 17 Pro Max in September 2025, the starting price will almost certainly be $1,199, matching the current generation. Apple rarely changes the starting price of its Pro Max model year to year — it prefers to adjust storage amounts or add features instead.
The announcement would happen at Apple's fall event, usually held in early or mid-September. Pre-orders typically open the following Friday, with devices shipping a week or two later. If you want to know the exact price and specs as soon as they are announced, Apple's website and press releases are the fastest source.
Carrier and trade-in discounts explained
Carrier discounts work by spreading the discount across your monthly bill over 24 or 36 months, not by lowering the upfront price. If Verizon offers $400 off with a trade-in, you pay $799 upfront but the discount appears as a credit on your bill each month. You must keep the phone on that carrier's network for the full contract period, or you lose the remaining credits.
Trade-in value depends on the model and condition of your old phone. A two-year-old iPhone in good condition might be worth $300 to $500 toward a new purchase, while an older or damaged phone might be worth $50 to $150. Carriers publish their trade-in values online, and you can check what your specific phone is worth before you commit to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth $1,199?
That depends on what you use your phone for and how long you keep it. The Pro Max is the largest and most powerful iPhone, with the best camera system and longest battery life. If you use your phone heavily for photography, video, or demanding apps, the extra cost over the standard iPhone 16 may be worth it. If you mostly text and browse, the standard model does the same things for $200 less.
Can I get an iPhone 16 Pro Max for less than $1,199?
Yes, through carrier discounts or trade-in credits. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer discounts when you trade in an older phone and sign up for their service. You can also buy a refurbished model through Apple's official refurbished store for about 15 percent off. Prices on used iPhones from third-party sellers vary widely and carry more risk.
When will the iPhone 17 be announced?
Apple typically announces new iPhones in September. An iPhone 17 announcement would likely happen in September 2025, with pre-orders opening the following week and devices shipping shortly after. You can check Apple's events page closer to that date for the exact announcement time.
Does the price change if I buy from Apple directly versus a carrier?
The official price is the same everywhere — $1,199 for the base iPhone 16 Pro Max. Carriers offer discounts, but those come as bill credits over time, not as a lower price at checkout. Apple's own store does not offer carrier discounts, though you can buy an iPhone there and set up it on any carrier afterward.