The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a thicker body compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a thickness of 8.725 mm, which is about 0.475 mm thicker than the previous model[1][2][3]. This increase in thickness is primarily attributed to the potential installation of a larger battery, which could significantly enhance battery life[2][3][4].
A larger battery would allow the iPhone 17 Pro Max to potentially surpass competitors in terms of battery endurance. For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max already offers an impressive battery life of around 17 hours and 35 minutes, but a more substantial battery could push this even further, possibly rivaling devices like the ROG 8 and OnePlus 12R, which have achieved nearly 19 hours and 18 hours and 8 minutes, respectively[1].
The impact of a thicker body on battery life is twofold. Firstly, it provides additional space for a larger battery, which directly translates to longer usage times. Secondly, even if the battery density remains the same, the increased capacity would still result in better overall battery performance. However, the actual improvement in battery life will depend on factors such as battery density and power management efficiency[4].
While some users might view the increased thickness as a drawback due to aesthetic preferences for slim devices, the potential for extended battery life could outweigh these concerns for many users, especially those who prioritize practicality over design[5]. Additionally, the design changes, including a possible new camera module, might also contribute to the thicker profile but are not directly linked to battery life improvements[3][6].
In summary, the thicker body of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to accommodate a larger battery, which could lead to a significant enhancement in battery life, making it a compelling choice for users who value extended usage times without needing to recharge frequently.
Citations:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/tech/iphone-17-pro-max-rumor-175719296.html
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/03/11/apple-iphone-17-pro-max-design-new-leak-hints-at-major-upgrade/
[3] https://gagadget.com/en/598837-iphone-17-pro-max-may-get-a-bigger-battery-and-thicker-body/
[4] https://www.letemsvetemapplem.eu/en/2025/03/10/iphone-17-pro-max-bude-mezirocne-tlustsi-duvod-neprekvapi/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edhixC3tDm4
[6] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-17-pro-max-said-to-be-thicker-to-accommodate-larger-battery.2452321/
[7] https://www.yahoo.com/tech/iphone-17-pro-max-iphone-192508108.html
[8] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/07/iphone-17-pro-max-thicker-larger-battery/
[9] https://www.yahoo.com/tech/iphone-17-air-leaks-suggest-121430186.html
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1AdZB0yVl8