When iPhone buyers choose the Pro Max model, it’s often for one reason above all others: screen size. But this year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max might be the last ‘Max’ model to truly offer the biggest iPhone screen. Here’s why.
’Max’ won’t mean biggest when foldable iPhone screens arrive
In typical use, the word “max” implies something that can’t be topped. There’s nothing more “max” than max.
Of course, Apple has gone its own way with definitions since the first M1 Ultra chip launched, and surpassed the M1 “Max.”
Next year, all signs point to a similar story playing out in the iPhone lineup.
Apple is expected to launch an iPhone 18 Pro Max, but it won’t actually having the biggest iPhone screen.
That’s because we’re also getting an iPhone Fold. Or perhaps Apple will call it iPhone “Ultra”?
iPhone Fold will be Apple’s first ever foldable iPhone.
Rumors indicate it will have a 5.5-inch outer display—tiny by modern iPhone standards.
But when that display is unfolded, its 7.8-inch size will easily take the crown for biggest iPhone screen.
We don’t know a whole lot about the iPhone 18 Pro Max yet, but so far there have been no whispers of a screen size change.
Apple just increased the Pro Max size last year, so it’s unlikely to do so again in 2026.
Assuming consistency with the current model, we’re looking at the following:
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
- iPhone Fold: 7.8-inch inner display
Choosing between iPhone 18 Pro Max and Fold
For the first time ever, Apple’s iPhone lineup will have a model with a larger screen than the Pro Max.
This could create a dilemma for typical Pro Max users. If you want the biggest iPhone possible, does that mean choosing the Fold?
For power users and early adopters, maybe so.
I suspect many others, however, will stick with their tried and true Pro Max size—at least for one year.
Top comment by Jae
“Max” isn’t just the screen size. While the Pro Max has the largest screen it also has the largest battery life. And at times Apple gives the Max a better camera system (though that may be changing now). The foldable will most likely sit in a different category. Therefore a good chance the “Max” will most likely stay relevant for the Pro phones.
The Fold will represent a brand new iPhone form factor. It will feel like a 2-in-1 type device, offering a sort of iPhone and iPad mini in one.
Not everyone will want to take a risk on something new and unknown. Especially at the rumored $2,000+ price point.
But however popular—or not—the iPhone Fold turns out to be, it feels odd to say that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be the last ‘Max’ model with the biggest iPhone screen.
If you normally use an iPhone Pro Max, do you think you’ll switch to the Fold? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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