Every new iPhone makes headlines, but the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro Max has sparked even bigger conversations. Reports suggest that this model caused Apple a multi-billion-dollar loss, as many users didn’t find it appealing at first. But the real question is—why? Was it simply an overhyped upgrade, or does it actually bring something revolutionary? In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the comparison of the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max, highlighting the advanced features Apple has introduced and what truly sets this device apart from every other smartphone on the market. From battery life and camera innovations to performance and design, we’ll cover all the burning questions people have. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s new in the iPhone 17 Pro Max and whether it’s worth upgrading.
Why Did Apple Face a $112 Billion Loss on iPhone 17 Pro Max Launch?
On September 9, at Apple’s headquarters in the USA, the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Pro Max was officially unveiled. The event drew a huge number of investors and loyal Apple fans, all expecting groundbreaking technology that could redefine the smartphone market. But instead of revolutionary features, many were disappointed to see only design tweaks and minor hardware upgrades. This unexpected letdown triggered one of the most significant financial blows in Apple’s history.
Reasons Behind Apple’s $112 Billion Loss
Several factors contributed to this massive decline:
1. Lack of Advanced Technology
Apple users expected a major leap in innovation, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max introduced only slight improvements over its predecessor. This gave the impression that Apple was falling behind rivals like Samsung and Google, who continue to push new technologies aggressively.
2. Just Minor Changes in Design & Hardware
Instead of delivering breakthrough upgrades, Apple mostly focused on a lighter titanium frame, smaller bezels, and minor performance boosts — changes that many considered underwhelming.
3. No Increase in Pricing
Surprisingly, Apple did not raise the price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While this seemed like good news for customers, it raised concerns among investors who feared that profit margins would shrink, reducing Apple’s long-term financial growth.
4. Negative Analyst Ratings
Following the launch, several tech analysts downgraded Apple’s rating, citing the lack of innovation. This fueled a wave of negative sentiment in the market, which further impacted Apple’s stock value.
Investors and Customers Express Disappointment
In just two days, Apple reportedly lost around $112 billion in market value. For many investors, the iPhone 17 Pro Max felt like a missed opportunity to showcase Apple’s leadership in technology. Customers also voiced frustration, pointing out that brands like Samsung and Google were delivering more advanced AI-driven and futuristic smartphone features.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Key Differences
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Titanium frame, slim bezels | Titanium 2.0 (lighter, stronger), even slimmer bezels |
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR, ProMotion (120Hz) | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR, ProMotion with higher peak brightness |
| Processor | A18 Pro chip | A19 Pro chip (faster, more efficient) |
| Camera System | Triple camera (48MP wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Upgraded 48MP main + improved telephoto with better low-light & AI features |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth with advanced AI portrait mode |
| Battery Life | Up to 29 hours video playback | Up to 31 hours video playback |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W MagSafe | 30W wired, 20W MagSafe (faster charging) |
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 19 with exclusive AI features |
| Storage Options | 256GB – 1TB | 256GB – 2TB |
| Special Features | Action Button, Dynamic Island | Enhanced Action Button, AI-powered Siri 2.0, improved satellite features |