The main difference is that US iPhone 17 Pro Max models are eSIM-only, while global models typically retain a physical SIM card slot. Other key differences are primarily related to regional cellular bands and potential feature restrictions, such as FaceTime Audio being disabled in some countries.
Other differences between the U.S. and global versions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max are related to connectivity features, which can affect battery life, and other regional market variations. Other hardware like the camera system, display, and processor are identical across models.
- Model number A3257: United States, Puerto Rico: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray.
- Model number A3525: Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Model number A3527: China mainland Yes, the iPhone 17 Pro Max sold in mainland China does have a physical SIM tray, but it will hold two nano-SIM cards and does not support eSIM. This is due to specific telecommunications regulations in mainland China that require a physical SIM, while other models in different regions are eSIM-only or have a physical SIM and eSIM combination.
- Mainland China models: Feature two physical nano-SIM card slots, with no eSIM support.
- Model number A3526: Europe, Asia, Africa,Latin America, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and the Rest of the world
- International models of the iPhone 17 Pro Max have a SIM tray that supports one physical nano-SIM card, in addition to an eSIM. This dual-SIM capability allows users to have both a physical SIM and an eSIM active at the same time.
Physical SIM slot: Unlike some other regions that are eSIM-only, the Hong Kong version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max includes a physical SIM card slot located on the left side of the phone.
eSIM: The device also supports eSIM, providing a second line for calls and data. This makes this model especially popular for travelers or those who use different carriers for work and personal use.
Dual SIM functionality: The combination of the physical nano-SIM and the eSIM allows for Dual SIM functionality, giving you two phone numbers on a single device.
iPhone 17 Pro Max frequency band support
Both models: Support FDD-5G NR (n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n66, n70, n75), TDD-5G NR (n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n77, n78, n79), FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66), TDD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53), UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, and GSM/EDGE.
US Model: Includes support for 5G NR mmWave bands (n258, n260, n261), FDD-5G NR (n14, n29), and TDD-5G NR (n71). Global Model: Does not support 5G NR mmWave, n14, n29, or n71 bands, as it is sold in a larger number of countries where these bands are not widely deployed.
The main difference is geographical, not based on hardware. The model sold in the US has more bands, including those for mmWave and specific sub-6 GHz 5G, which are not included in the global model due to its broader international market.
If you plan to travel to or use your phone in regions where the global model is sold, it will function correctly, as it covers most major frequencies. However, if you live in the US, you will need the US model to get the full benefit of its 5G capabilities.

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