Deciding between buying an iPhone 16 Pro Max now or waiting for the iPhone 17 later this year is a common dilemma for Irish shoppers. This guide weighs the facts on pricing, availability, and performance to help you make the right call for your budget and timeline.

Display size: 6.9 inches · Processor: A18 Pro chip · Main camera: 48MP triple camera · Video playback: Up to 33 hours · Weight: 227 grams · IP rating: IP68 (dust/water resistant)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact iPhone 17 release date – not confirmed by Apple
  • Official iPhone 17 pricing in Ireland – still rumours only
  • Whether Apple will instantly discontinue iPhone 16 Pro Max after iPhone 17 launch
3Timeline signal
  • September 2024: iPhone 16 Pro Max launched
  • Expected September 2025: iPhone 17 Pro Max likely announced
  • Possible discontinuation of iPhone 16 Pro Max after iPhone 17 launch
4What’s next

Five key specs of the iPhone 16 Pro Max tell you most of what you need to know:

Specification Value
Release date September 2024
Starting price (Ireland) €1,449 (256GB)
Processor A18 Pro
Storage options 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Colors Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium

Are iPhone 16 Pro Max still sold?

Yes — the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still widely available across Ireland. Apple’s official iPhone compare page lists it alongside the current lineup, confirming it remains in production. Major Irish retailers like Vodafone, Currys, and Harvey Norman stock it, and refurbished marketplaces such as Swappie Ireland list used units from around €765.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max discontinued?

No. Apple has not announced any discontinuation. The only hints of removal come from the usual lifecycle: Apple often phases out the previous Pro Max shortly after a new generation launches. That event is likely months away. For now, you can walk into any Irish Apple Store and buy one.

Why has the iPhone 16 Pro Max been discontinued?

It hasn’t. Online forum chatter sometimes mistakes “out of stock” for “discontinued.” The device still appears on Apple’s compare tool as an active model. No credible source has reported a discontinuation.

The trade-off

If you need a phone right now, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is available and performant. Waiting for the iPhone 17 means betting on a rumoured release window — and possibly missing out on current deals.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max still a good buy?

Absolutely — the A18 Pro chip and 48‑MP triple camera system still deliver top‑tier performance. CNET’s best‑iPhone guide notes that even the standard iPhone 16 is a solid pick for most people; the Pro Max adds the biggest screen, longest battery life, and best camera system Apple currently makes. If you value those features today, there is little reason to wait.

Should I buy an iPhone 16 Pro Max or wait for iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to bring an A19 chip and possible design changes, but T-Mobile’s pre‑launch guide shows the Pro Max tier again priced at $1,199 in the US — likely translating to a similar €1,449+ in Ireland. If you need a phone now, the 16 Pro Max is already excellent. If you can wait five to eight months, you may get marginal gains in battery and GPU (around 20% GPU uplift per YouTube benchmarking).

Pros and cons of buying iPhone 16 Pro Max in 2025

Upsides

  • Immediate availability in Ireland – no waiting for pre‑orders
  • Proven top‑tier performance (A18 Pro, 48MP camera)
  • 5+ years of iOS updates from Apple (Apple support policy)
  • Refurbished prices as low as €765 on Swappie

Downsides

  • Will likely be discontinued later in 2025, reducing resale value
  • Missing potential design upgrades of iPhone 17 (A19, longer battery)
  • May need to pay full price now vs possible discounts after iPhone 17 launch
Why this matters

For Irish buyers, the decision hinges on urgency. If you need a pro‑level camera and big screen today, the 16 Pro Max is a no‑brainer. If you are happy with your current phone for another six months, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may offer better long‑term value.

Is the iPhone 17 going to be released?

Apple has not officially announced an iPhone 17 launch date. Based on historical release cycles, September 2025 is the most likely window. T-Mobile’s analysis says the iPhone 17 series went on sale on September 19, 2025 in the US — but that is a carrier estimate, not Apple’s word.

iPhone 17 release date rumours

Multiple sources point to a September 2025 launch. Back Market Ireland notes the iPhone 17 Pro launched in September 2025, consistent with Apple’s pattern. Pre‑order announcements typically come in early September, with in‑store availability by the third week.

Will iPhone 17 be launched in September 2025?

It is highly probable but not confirmed. If you are holding out, mark mid‑September as your watch date. Apple typically sends invitations to its September event around two weeks before.

The implication: the window for buying the current 16 Pro Max at full price is limited, but so is the certainty of the 17’s exact launch.

Should I buy an iPhone 16 Pro Max or 17 Pro Max?

Here is a side‑by‑side look at what we know:

Two premium models, one clear trade‑off: generational improvements versus immediate ownership.

Feature iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 17 Pro Max (rumoured)
Chip A18 Pro A19 (reportedly ~5% CPU, 20% GPU uplift)
Display 6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz Likely similar with possible brightness increase
Camera 48MP main + 12MP UW + 12MP tele 5x Expected iterative improvement
Battery life (video) Up to 33 hours Up to 39 hours (per Apple)
Starting price (€) €1,449 Estimated ~€1,499 (based on $1,199 US)
Availability now Yes – in stock in Ireland Not yet – expected late 2025

Is the iPhone 17 better than 16?

In raw specs, yes — the A19 chip and longer battery make the iPhone 17 Pro Max technically superior. But the gap is not huge. YouTube benchmarks show about a 5% CPU improvement and 20% GPU improvement over the iPhone 16 Pro Max. For most users, that difference is invisible in daily use.

Is the iPhone 17 worth the upgrade?

If you already have an iPhone 16 Pro Max, absolutely not. If you are coming from an iPhone 13 or older, either model will feel like a massive leap. The real question is whether you need a new phone this summer or can afford to wait until autumn.

The catch

The iPhone 17 base model now starts with 256GB storage – a meaningful upgrade over the 16’s 128GB base. That shifts the value equation for users who would otherwise buy the Pro Max mostly for extra storage. As CNET points out, the $799 iPhone 17 may be the smarter buy for most people.

How many years should an iPhone 16 Pro Max last?

Apple typically delivers iOS updates for five to six years after launch. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, released in 2024, should receive updates through at least 2029. With careful battery care — avoiding full discharges and heat — the device remains usable for four to five years before the battery might need service.

iPhone 16 Pro Max software support lifespan

Apple’s track record with the iPhone 15 series (still supported after three years) suggests the 16 Pro Max will see major iOS updates until around iOS 24. Official Apple policy guarantees security patches for years after that. No other Android flagship offers a longer support window.

Battery health and longevity tips

  • Keep charge between 20%–80% most of the time
  • Use Optimised Battery Charging (enabled by default)
  • Replace battery at Apple for €99 when health drops below 80%

The pattern: the 16 Pro Max will remain a capable daily driver for years, making it a safe long-term investment.

How much will the iPhone 17 Pro Max cost?

No official pricing yet. In the US, T-Mobile lists the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,199 and the standard iPhone 17 at $799. For Ireland, a similar conversion plus VAT would put the Pro Max around €1,499–1,549 — roughly €50–100 more than the current 16 Pro Max launch price. RSSing’s comparison chart estimates €1,099 for the Pro Max, but that figure appears to be US‑centric and should be treated as unconfirmed.

iPhone 17 Pro Max price in Ireland

Irish pricing will be announced at launch. Based on Apple’s historical pattern, expect a slight increase over the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s €1,449 starting price. If you are budget‑conscious, the iPhone 16 Pro Max becomes even more attractive once discounts appear after the iPhone 17 launch.

Comparison of iPhone 17 and 16 Pro Max pricing

Model Launch price (US) Estimated Ireland price (€)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) $1,199 €1,449
iPhone 17 (base) $799 ~€969 (based on conversion + VAT)
iPhone 17 Pro Max (rumoured) $1,199 ~€1,499

Timeline: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17

  • September 2024 – iPhone 16 Pro Max launched (Back Market Ireland)
  • Early 2025 – Rumours of iPhone 17 start circulating
  • Expected September 2025 – iPhone 17 Pro Max likely announced
  • Uncertain – Possible discontinuation of iPhone 16 Pro Max after iPhone 17 launch

What we know – and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max specifications (display, processor, camera, battery) as per Apple official page
  • Currently available for purchase in Ireland from Apple and retailers
  • iOS updates expected until at least 2029
  • Starting price in Ireland: €1,449 (256GB)

What’s unclear

  • Exact release date of iPhone 17 Pro Max – Apple has not confirmed
  • Official Irish pricing of iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • Whether Apple will discontinue iPhone 16 Pro Max immediately after iPhone 17 launch

Expert quotes

“iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s most powerful iPhone to date.”

— Swappie Ireland (refurbished marketplace)

“The iPhone 17 series features the A19 chip, delivering about a 5% CPU uplift and 20% GPU uplift over the iPhone 16 Pro.”

YouTube hardware review channel

“The best iPhone for most people is the $799 iPhone 16.”

CNET’s best iPhone guide

The iPhone 16 Pro Max remains an outstanding device in 2025 – especially for Irish buyers who can pick it up today from retailers like Currys, Vodafone, or Apple directly. But the iPhone 17’s 256GB base storage, longer battery, and fresh design will tempt anyone who can wait. For the buyer who needs a pro‑level camera and big screen right now, the choice is clear: buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max. For those who can hold out six months, the iPhone 17 Pro Max – or even the base iPhone 17 – may offer better long‑term value.

For Irish buyers, the current iPhone 16 Pro Max price in Ireland starts at €1,449 for the 256GB model, making it the most expensive base storage option yet.

Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max support 5G?

Yes, it supports sub‑6GHz and mmWave 5G.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max waterproof?

It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion up to 6 metres for 30 minutes.

Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max come with a charger?

No, Apple no longer includes a power adapter. A USB‑C cable is included.

What is the warranty on iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Apple offers a one‑year limited warranty. AppleCare+ is available for extended cover.

Can I trade in my old iPhone for the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Yes, Apple and Irish retailers like Vodafone offer trade‑in credit.

Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max have a SIM card slot in Ireland?

Irish models sold after September 2024 are eSIM‑only. No physical SIM tray.

What is the difference between iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max?

The Pro Max has a larger 6.9‑inch display, longer battery life (33h vs 27h video), and starts with 256GB storage instead of 128GB.