iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Specs, full price and monthly payments for both phones, side by side.
The short version
- On a carrier plan, the lowest tracked monthly payment is $36.08 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max (Verizon) and $30.55 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max (AT&T). Plan and bill-credit requirements apply.
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the A20 Pro chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the A19 Pro.
- Both have a 6.9-inch display.
- Both list the same cameras: Triple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide, 5x Telephoto).
- iPhone 18 Pro Max has the longer battery rating: up to 45 hours of video versus 33.
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A20 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Display | 6.9-inch | 6.9-inch |
| Cameras | Triple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide, 5x Telephoto) | Triple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide, 5x Telephoto) |
| Battery (video) | Up to 45 hours | Up to 33 hours |
| Base storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Lowest full price | $1,299 | — |
| Lowest monthly | $36.08/mo (Verizon) | $30.55/mo (AT&T) |
Specs come from our tracking sheet; check Apple's official specifications before relying on them.
Deals for both phones
Pay in full upfront
One payment, no contract. The phone is yours right away.
| Model | Retailer | Full price | Max trade-in value | Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Apple Store | $1,299 | Up to $650 | No ContractAny Plan / Unlocked | View terms |
Pay monthly with a carrier
Little or nothing down, then monthly payments over the term.
| Model | Retailer / Carrier | Upfront | Monthly | Terms & conditions | Est. total | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | AT&T | $0 | $30.55per month | 36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited Premium PLUp to $1000 trade-in+ $35 activation fee | $1134.80 | View terms |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Verizon | $0 | $33.33per month | 36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited UltimateUp to $1000 trade-in+ $35 activation fee | $1234.88 | View terms |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Verizon | $0 | $36.08per month | 36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited UltimateUp to $1000 trade-in+ $35 activation fee | $1333.88 | View terms |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | AT&T | $0 | $36.08per month | 36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited Premium PLUp to $1000 trade-in+ $35 activation fee | $1333.88 | View terms |
Prices shown were saved on November 4, 2026 and may have changed. See the live deals page and confirm terms with the retailer before you buy. Estimated total = upfront + monthly × term + activation fee; it excludes plan price, taxes and trade-in credits. Some “View terms” links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life?
Our sheet rates the iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to 45 hours of video versus 33 hours for the other.
What chip does each phone use?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the A20 Pro; the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the A19 Pro.
Should I pay in full or monthly?
Paying in full gives you the phone with no contract and no bill credits. Monthly plans spread the cost over a term, often with credits tied to a plan, so the real cost depends on how long you stay. Compare both tables on this page, and see how we treat $0 offers on our deals page.