iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 6.9"

What separates them

Price history

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: lowest $11.75 on Oct 31 at Walmart; $38.89 on Nov 3.
• Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 6.9": lowest $2,594.00 on Oct 28.

Prices at every store

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Questions and answers

Which has the better camera?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max lists a 48 MP rear camera with telephoto and ultra wide lenses plus an 18 MP front camera. Apple has not published camera specs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, so the 17 Pro Max is the only one you can judge on paper.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max worth the extra money?

Only if you want the newest A20 Pro chip and the longest software runway. The 17 Pro Max covers the same 6.9-inch size with a known camera and battery, and it is listed at $38.89 at Best Buy as of November 4, 2026.

Which lasts longer?

The iPhone 18 Pro Max should get iOS updates for about a year longer because it is a newer generation. Battery life is hard to compare because only the 17 Pro Max states a figure, 5088 mAh.

Can I use either on any carrier?

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is factory unlocked with no contract. The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in unlocked, AT&T and Verizon versions, so check the listing before you buy.

Do they have the same screen size?

Yes, both are 6.9 inches. The 17 Pro Max states a 2868 x 1320 resolution; the 18 Pro Max does not state one.

Which has more storage?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. Storage options for the iPhone 18 Pro Max are not stated, so confirm the size before comparing prices.