While I welcome design updates, there are some changes that need some time to get acquainted with. One fine example is the one given to Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 Pro series, with the Pro Max variant being the subject of this article.
From the new aluminium unibody to the large camera “plateau” on the back, it would be an understatement to say that this change is anything but drastic. Gone are the flat surrounding frame and glass back design of old, while familiar elements such as the Action button, Camera Control, MagSafe and USB-C port are retained. Of course, the large 6.9-inch Super Retina OLED display and the Dynamic Island feature are here to stay as well.
On hand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is actually quite nice and also comfortable to hold. The new unibody still gives off a premium yet sturdy feel, with a soft textured surface that adds grip. Despite coming in slightly weightier than its predecessor (at 233g, to be exact), I didn’t find it to be much of a difference.
Visually, I have to admit that I’m still irked with the iPhone 17 Pro series’ redesign. The camera “plateau” (a term that Apple is definitely banking on to be a thing) gives off impressions of wasted space, while the ceramic shield segment below it looks jarring due to its contrasting tone (lighter or darker, depending on colourway). As mentioned earlier, this new look needs some getting used to and is something most will have to come to accept.
As usual, since this is just my first impression of the device, I’ll save my thoughts on its overall performance for a full review. For what it’s worth, navigating through iOS 26 feels smooth and the cameras seem to offer some improvement, especially via the larger 48MP telephoto. Since we’re talking about imaging, I do find that the 18MP multi-aspect front-facing camera to be a gamechanger for selfies, groupfies and video calls.
