Apple has once again set the bar for mobile technology with the release of the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, stands out as a powerful and feature-rich device. If you're in the UAE and considering an upgrade, here's everything you need to know about the new flagship, including its key specifications, pricing in the Emirates, and how you can save on your purchase with trade-in options.

Unveiling the iPhone 17 Pro Max: Key Specs & Upgrades

The iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces a number of significant advancements that make it a compelling upgrade.

Performance & Design:

• A19 Pro Chip: At the heart of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the new A19 Pro chip. Built on an upgraded 3nm process, this chip is designed to deliver up to 40% better sustained performance than its predecessor, thanks in part to a new vapor chamber cooling system. This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and an incredible experience for gaming and video editing.

• Refined Build: The phone features a new unibody design made from heat-forged aluminum, which is lighter and improves thermal conductivity. The camera "plateau" on the back is a notable design change, spanning the width of the phone and providing more space for internal components, including a larger battery.

• Enhanced Durability: Both the front and back of the device are protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims offers 3x better scratch resistance and 4x better crack resistance compared to previous models.

Display:

• Super Retina XDR Display: The iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts a stunning 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display. It supports ProMotion technology with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it incredibly vibrant and easy to see even in direct sunlight.

Camera System:

• Triple 48MP Cameras: This is one of the biggest upgrades. For the first time, all three rear cameras—the Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—are 48MP Fusion cameras.

  • Main Camera: Captures sharp, detailed images with a large sensor for improved low-light performance.

  • Telephoto Camera: The new tetraprism design enables an impressive 4x optical zoom and an unprecedented 8x optical-quality zoom, the longest ever on an iPhone. Digital zoom goes up to 40x.

  • Front Camera: The 18MP Center Stage front camera is a major leap forward, using a square sensor that can automatically adjust its field of view to include more people in a group selfie or enable "Dual Capture" to record with both front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Battery & Charging:

• Largest-ever Battery: The new design and A19 Pro chip contribute to the best battery life ever in an iPhone. Apple states the iPhone 17 Pro Max can offer up to 39 hours of video playback.

• Faster Charging: The device supports faster wired charging, reaching 50% battery in just 20 minutes with a high-wattage USB-C adapter.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Prices in the UAE

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is now available for pre-order and will be available for purchase in the UAE on September 19, 2025. Prices vary depending on the storage capacity.

• 256GB: Starting from AED 5,099

• 512GB: Starting from AED 5,949

• 1TB: Starting from AED 6,799

• 2TB: Starting from AED 8,499

Trade-in Options in the UAE

Upgrading to the latest iPhone is made easier with trade-in programs offered by Apple and other major retailers in the UAE.

• Apple Trade In: You can get a credit of up to AED 2,500 towards your new iPhone by trading in your old device. This can be done online or at an Apple Store. The value depends on the model and condition of your device. For instance, trading in an iPhone 16 Pro Max could get you up to AED 2,500 in credit.

• UAE Retailer Programs: Many local retailers also have their own trade-in promotions.

  • Jumbo Electronics: Offers a guaranteed buy-back program with potential savings of up to AED 3,500.

  • Eros: Provides a guaranteed buy-back of up to 75% of an iPhone's value and trade-in savings of up to AED 3,500.

  • Sharaf DG: Has a trade-in program that gives you a discount on your new purchase.

These trade-in options, combined with the power and innovation of the new iPhone 17 Pro Max, make it an attractive proposition for anyone in the UAE looking to get their hands on Apple's latest and greatest smartphone.