It's settled, the story is over. After two full months of use IPhone 17 Pro MaxThe user, whose phone was supposedly "the best iPhone Apple has ever made," returned it to the store. This is a user's story; does anyone agree with him, or is this just an individual feeling that doesn't necessarily mean others share it?
The decision may seem shocking to some, but it was part of a pre-planned strategy. After years of sticking with standard 6.1-inch iPhones, and my experience with last year's iPhone 16 Plus, I became convinced that I needed a bigger screen, but I was eagerly awaiting what Apple had in store for us with the iPhone 17 series, and my eye was on the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and perhaps the foldable iPhone.
So, I decided to give the Pro Max one last try before switching back to smaller sizes or waiting for the next revolutionary designs. I expected the experience to be similar to the Plus version, with the usual improvements to the processor and cameras. But what I didn't expect was to fall so deeply in love with this giant 6.9-inch iPhone that I almost forgot my original plan and what I was used to, and decided to keep it forever.
But then something happened that changed everything, prompting me to abandon this amazing device and return to my old iPhone 14 Pro. Here's the full story.
The magic of "The Giant" surprised me
Let me be fair, the main reason for the previous return of the iPhone 16 Plus was its annoying size and the difficulty of handling it, especially with the Camera Control button.
When I bought the Pro Max, I was mentally prepared for a similar discomfort experience, anticipating it might be like the Plus version, especially considering the extended return policy. But here's the surprise: despite the Pro Max being heavier, larger, and thicker than the Plus version, it felt incredibly smooth and comfortable in my hands!
I ran a full marathon with it and felt lighter than I had with the Plus version. More importantly, the camera control button worked perfectly; thanks to the iPhone's thickness, the button was within easy reach of my left hand, which made the shooting experience much smoother.
Add to that its phenomenal battery life and stunning screen, which was an ideal companion during my trip to Tokyo, where I relied entirely on maps, translation, and photography. It was, without a doubt, a complete device.
The "Cinderella" moment and the great shock
Like Cinderella, I knew my time with this phone would come to an end, but I started to hesitate. Should I keep it? Should I give it to a family member and replace it with an iPhone Air? That's where the turning point came in, and it had to do with Apple Intelligence.
Throughout this period, I didn't talk much about the advantages of artificial intelligence because it was delayed in reaching users in the European Union until late February of last year. When it finally arrived, I activated it, but surprisingly, I didn't notice any significant difference.
I was using beta versions of iOS, eagerly awaiting the "intelligent Siri" that Apple showcased at its developers conference. But the shock came when Apple announced that Siri's full capabilities and intelligent integration have been postponed until 2026.
"Mirage" promises and deceptive marketing
Apple sold us the iPhone 16 as an “AI phone,” and its advertising campaigns heavily emphasized this point. But the reality is that the best this intelligence offers is merely “vaporware,” a promising but ultimately empty promise—a beautiful technical promise that exists only in conferences and presentations.
I realized then that the iPhone 17 Pro Max isn't currently a better AI device than my old iPhone 14 Pro; both can use third-party AI apps. But without the updated Siri, Apple's AI is soulless.
I felt that Apple had engaged in a form of marketing deception, selling us devices today with technologies that wouldn't be ready until the distant future. Since I couldn't and didn't want to join a lawsuit, the only way I could express my position was to return the iPhone.
Looking back, waiting for the future
I won't deny that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a marvel of engineering, and an excellent upgrade for those with very old phones. But for me, my iPhone 14 Pro can easily last a few more months until the iPhone 18 is released.
I feel lucky because I was able to get my money back, an option that may not be available to the average user who bought the device impressed by the promises of artificial intelligence, only to discover later that there is still a long way to go.
My next decision to buy an iPhone 18 or a second-generation iPhone Air won't be driven by promises of artificial intelligence or new buttons. Instead, I'll buy one for its new design, outstanding new technologies, or its thinner profile and larger screen. I'll buy it knowing full well that Apple's "intelligence" hasn't quite reached its full potential, and I won't fall for unrealistic expectations again.
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