Apple fans, get ready: the iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be a game-changer. A fresh leak has revealed that Apple’s next flagship, set to debut this fall, will sport a thicker body than its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This unexpected design shift could pave the way for a significant upgrade—a larger battery—marking a departure from previous rumors and igniting excitement among tech enthusiasts. But that’s not all: the same report drops tantalizing hints about the rumored iPhone 17 Air and even suggests that 2025 might finally deliver the long-speculated iPhone Ultra. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Design Leak
The leak, credited to the reliable source Ice Universe, claims the iPhone 17 Pro Max will measure 8.725mm in thickness—up from the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 8.25mm. That’s a modest increase of just under 0.5mm, a difference so subtle it might go unnoticed in the hand. Yet, in the world of smartphone design, where every millimeter counts, this extra girth could mean a beefier battery. “The increase in the thickness of the body means that the battery must have increased,” Ice Universe noted in a post on Weibo, fueling speculation that Apple is prioritizing battery life in its premium lineup. For users who’ve longed for an iPhone that can go the distance, this could be very good news indeed.
But the plot thickens when you consider the iPhone 17 Air, a super-slim model also rumored to join the lineup. According to the same leaker, the iPhone 17 Air will clock in at a wafer-thin 5.5mm—more than 3mm slimmer than the Pro Max—while matching its length, width, and screen size. This stark contrast raises eyebrows: how will Apple balance battery performance in a device so slender? The iPhone 17 Air’s svelteness might come at the cost of battery capacity, setting it apart from the beefier Pro Max and hinting at a deliberate diversification in Apple’s 2025 strategy. Could the Air be a style-first statement piece, while the Pro Max doubles down on power and endurance?
Enter the Ultra theory. In a compelling analysis published today by Ryan Christoffel at 9to5Mac, the thickening of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is seen as more than just a practical tweak—it’s a potential signpost to an “Ultra” rebrand. “The more rumors we’ve seen emerge about the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the more I’ve started to think Apple is preparing for an Ultra rebrand,” Christoffel writes. He points to a trio of rumored features exclusive to the Pro Max: a larger battery, a narrower Dynamic Island (possibly enabled by advanced “metalens” technology), and a vapor cooling system for enhanced performance. Together, these upgrades could position the Pro Max as a standout in the lineup—worthy of the “Ultra” moniker Apple has already popularized with its Watch series.
The idea makes sense when you consider the context. With the iPhone 17 Air poised to dazzle with its ultra-thin design, thickening the Pro Max might seem counterintuitive—unless Apple is aiming to carve out distinct identities. “When your Pro line is facing competition from an ultra-thin new iPhone, why would you then make those Pro models even thicker?” Christoffel asks. His answer: differentiation. The Pro Max could become the iPhone Ultra, a hefty, feature-packed beast for power users, while the Air caters to those craving sleekness over stamina.
Beyond thickness, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might see other design shifts. Rumors suggest a move away from the all-glass back of recent models, with a part-aluminum, part-glass construction that could boost durability while retaining wireless charging. The camera layout might also evolve, with whispers of a horizontal bump replacing the familiar square array—though details remain murky. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air’s slim profile might limit it to a single rear camera, a trade-off for its minimalist aesthetic.
As always with Apple leaks, skepticism is warranted. Plans can shift in the months leading up to the anticipated September unveiling. But the convergence of a thicker Pro Max, a slimmer Air, and the Ultra buzz paints a picture of a bold 2025 lineup—one where Apple isn’t afraid to experiment with form and function. Will the iPhone 17 Pro Max redefine what a flagship can be? Or will the Ultra dream steal the spotlight? Stay tuned—six months from now, we’ll know for sure.
