Apple may retire the iPhone ‘Max’ as the biggest model in future iPhone releases

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone Pro Max has always carried a reputation for being the biggest iPhone you can buy. But that may not be true for much longer. A 9to5 report suggests that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the last model where “Max” actually means the largest screen in Apple’s lineup.

Why? Because Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, possibly named the iPhone Fold—or maybe even the iPhone Ultra. Unlike the Pro Max, which is likely to stick to its current 6.9-inch screen, the foldable device could unfold into a massive 7.8-inch display, instantly making it the biggest iPhone ever.

At first glance, the Fold will look much smaller, with a 5.5-inch outer screen—tiny compared to today’s iPhones. But once opened, its inner display will put it in a league of its own, essentially offering a mix of an iPhone and an iPad mini in one device.

That raises an important question for Apple fans: if you usually buy the Pro Max for its large display, will you switch to the Fold?

The Fold will undoubtedly appeal to tech enthusiasts and early adopters who want the newest form factor. But its rumored $2,000+ price tag may push many buyers to stick with the familiar Pro Max, at least in the early years. For those who prefer stability and reliability, the Pro Max could still be the safer choice—even if it no longer holds the title of “biggest iPhone.”

The shift also highlights how Apple plays with naming conventions. Just as the company once launched the M1 Ultra chip that surpassed the M1 Max, it looks set to make “Max” no longer mean “maximum.”

While details about the iPhone 18 Pro Max remain scarce, Apple only just increased its size recently, so another jump in screen dimensions seems unlikely. That means the foldable iPhone is poised to take the crown as the largest iPhone yet.

Whether the Fold becomes a hit or a niche device remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the definition of “Max” in Apple’s world may never be the same again.