The iPhone XS Max 256GB features a large 6.5-inch Super Retina HD OLED display, the biggest screen size on an iPhone at that time, with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels. It runs on the powerful A12 Bionic chip, which enhances performance and graphics capabilities.

The camera system includes a 12 MP dual-lens setup with wide and telephoto options, offering advanced features like Smart HDR and adjustable depth of field in portrait mode.

The iPhone XS Max 256GB sports a premium design with a glass back and stainless steel sides, supporting wireless charging and rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. It offers improved battery life over its smaller counterpart, the iPhone XS, and was originally launched with iOS 12, featuring significant updates such as new Animoji, Screen Time, and improved privacy controls.

The iPhone XS Max 256GB is updateable up to iOS 18.