The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max might not retain its expected name upon release. According to recent leaks, Apple could rebrand it as the iPhone 17 Ultra or simply iPhone Ultra. A reputable leaker, Yuk12, has reported seeing multiple data sources referring to the device under this new name. This potential rebranding could indicate a significant departure from the Pro lineup, possibly introducing exclusive features to differentiate the device further. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.
The End of the Square Camera Bump
One of the most striking changes in the iPhone 17 Ultra is its camera module, which has undergone its most significant redesign since the iPhone 11. Instead of the traditional square camera bump, Apple has introduced a horizontal camera bar spanning the width of the phone.
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Inspiration from Google’s Pixel Series?
While horizontal camera bars have been seen in other devices—such as Google’s Pixel series—Apple’s take on it appears less refined. The bar is unnecessarily large, yet the middle section remains empty, making the design appear somewhat awkward.
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Upgraded Camera Hardware
Despite the unusual design choice, the camera hardware itself is receiving a major boost. All three lenses—wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto—will now feature 48MP sensors. Previously, the telephoto lens was limited to 12MP, so this upgrade is expected to improve zoom quality significantly. Another unexpected change is Apple’s decision to replace the titanium frame of its Pro models with aluminum. This move is surprising given that Apple heavily marketed titanium as a premium material in previous releases.
A Downgrade Disguised as Innovation?
Now, reverting to aluminum feels like a step backward, potentially marketed as innovation. The new design also incorporates a hybrid back, combining aluminum with a central glass section for durability and wireless charging. However, this results in a less cohesive, awkward design. Apple’s attempt to balance style and function appears visually questionable.
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A Noticeable Thickness Increase
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be approximately 5% thicker than its predecessor. While that may not sound drastic, in the world of slim smartphones, it could make a noticeable difference in the hand.
Battery Capacity and Performance Boost
On the plus side, the added thickness allows for a larger battery, potentially bringing the iPhone closer to the long-awaited 5,000mAh battery mark. Additionally, Apple’s new A19 Pro chipset is anticipated to be more power-efficient, possibly increasing battery performance by 15-20% over the A18 Pro. However, considering the expected performance enhancements of the A19, the actual efficiency gains might be slightly lower.
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Reverse Wireless Charging Finally Arrives
A long-awaited addition is reverse wireless charging, a feature that Android devices have had for years. Apple is finally introducing this capability, allowing users to charge accessories like AirPods by placing them on the back of the phone. Apple’s advanced connectivity chip is also seeing an upgrade. The iPhone 16 introduced the C1 chip, which optimized Wi-Fi and 5G capabilities while improving power efficiency.
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Enhanced Battery Life with C2 Chip
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature the next-generation C2 chip, which could further extend battery life. Combined with the larger battery and the efficiency of the A19 Pro chip, these enhancements could push the device’s video playback time beyond the current 33-hour benchmark, potentially reaching up to 40 hours. If true, this would mark a significant leap in battery longevity, setting a new standard for Apple’s flagship lineup. On the display side, not much is changing. The screen size and panel remain the same, keeping Apple’s current standards.
Dynamic Island Adjustments
However, according to leaker DCS, Apple is making adjustments to the Dynamic Island. Notably, only the Pro Max version will see a reduction in size, while the regular Pro model will retain the current Dynamic Island dimensions.
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Expected Price Points
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be priced at around $1,199 for the base model, with higher storage options pushing the price even further.
When Will It Launch?
As for the release date, Apple is likely to unveil the device in September 2025, following its usual launch schedule.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Yet Controversial Update
The iPhone 17 Pro Max (or Ultra) is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Apple releases in years. With a potential name change, a radically redesigned camera module, a controversial shift from titanium to aluminum, and significant battery and connectivity improvements, Apple is taking bold steps. However, some of these choices—particularly the design aspects—may not sit well with longtime users. Whether these changes will enhance or diminish the iPhone experience remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Apple is preparing to make waves in 2025.
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Last update on 2025-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
