Apple’s iPhone lineup is set for major shakeups in the coming years.Starting this fall, there won’t be a clear ‘best iPhone’ like there historically has been.The Pro Max’s claim to the crown will, more than ever before, find itself hotly contested.
Pro Max is the best iPhone, but just for now If someone wants to buy the ‘best’ iPhone today, the choice is fairly straightforward.iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max are the answer, depending on size preferences.Historically though, the Pro Max has often had the edge as the standout ‘best.’ Apple often gives its Pro Max models an exclusive feature not found in the smaller Pro option.
And the Pro Max also has, importantly, the best battery life of any iPhone.Of course, people love big screens too, and the Pro Max has the edge there as well.But starting this fall, Apple’s changes to the iPhone lineup will start muddying the water of what ‘best’ really means.
Big changes coming to iPhone lineup soon Very soon, the iPhone’s ‘boring era’ is coming to an end.After a long period shipping flagship iPhones that look and work largely the same from year to year, Apple has some exciting changes in store.This fall’s iPhone 17 Air is looking ever-increasingly like a massive hit in the making.
Its ultra-thin design could inspire iPhone X-like feelings of being a device from the future.Next year, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming.‘iPhone Fold’ will build on the Air’s ultra-thin design with a new 7.8-inch inner display, plus a 5.5-inch outer screen.
Apple has reportedly found a way to make a crease-free foldable screen, but all of this tech will bring a premium $2,000+ price tag.Also potentially for next year’s iPhone lineup, Apple is preparing a “bold new Pro model” that “makes more extensive use of glass.” Mark Gurman says this is meant to be a type of special 20th anniversary model.These upcoming models will shake up the iPhone’s status quo in a big way.
And in the process, they’ll make the Pro Max’s current standing as best iPhone much harder to claim.iPhone Pro Max vs Air and Fold: ‘Best’ is up to you When comparing the Pro Max to other upcoming iPhone models, it’s clear that the matter of ‘best’ will be highly subjective.On paper, the 17 Pro Max will have several feature advantages over the 17 Air.
But if one model feels like the future while the other gets even chunkier, ‘best’ will entirely come down to preference.Next year this could be even more true, since the iPhone Fold will have a larger screen than the Pro Max and presumably not compromise on features like the Air.Maybe the special 20th anniversary model will be the new Pro Max.
Or maybe Apple will do away with the Pro Max branding altogether.It’s entirely unclear.But one thing is clear: the Pro Max’s undisputed reign as ‘best’ iPhone seems to be coming to an end.
How do you think the Pro Max will stack up against Apple’s new, upcoming iPhone models? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessories AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone HomeKit smart plug 4-pack 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
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