Rumors about an iPhone 17 Ultra have been circulating, suggesting that Apple might rebrand the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the iPhone 17 Ultra. This speculation arises from several key differences expected in the iPhone 17 Pro Max compared to its predecessors and other models in the lineup.
Key Rumors and Features
1. Thickness and Battery Life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be slightly thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, measuring 8.725mm compared to 8.25mm. This increased thickness could accommodate a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, which is a significant upgrade over previous models[1][4].
2. Differentiation from iPhone 17 Pro: Unlike previous years where the Pro and Pro Max models were largely similar except for screen size, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might feature distinct upgrades. These could include a narrowed Dynamic Island using "metalens" technology, a vapor chamber cooling system, and a graphite sheet for improved thermal performance. These features are not expected to be available on the standard iPhone 17 Pro[4].
3. Ultra Branding Similarity to Apple Watch Ultra: The differentiation strategy for the iPhone 17 Pro Max mirrors the approach used for the Apple Watch Ultra, which is thicker, heavier, and offers better battery life compared to the standard Apple Watch models. This could indicate a similar branding strategy for iPhones, positioning the Ultra as a premium option focused on durability and performance[4].
4. Potential Lineup Changes: If Apple introduces an iPhone 17 Ultra, it could streamline the lineup to include:
- iPhone 17: The standard entry model with basic features.
- iPhone 17 Air: An ultra-thin model sacrificing some features for design.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Offers advanced features like multiple cameras and a powerful chip.
- iPhone 17 Ultra: The top-tier model with the best battery life and display features[4].
While these rumors suggest a possible iPhone 17 Ultra, there is no official confirmation from Apple. The introduction of such a model would align with Apple's strategy of offering distinct product tiers to cater to different consumer preferences. However, until Apple makes an official announcement, these remain speculative based on leaks and analyst interpretations.
Citations:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/03/11/apple-iphone-17-pro-max-design-new-leak-hints-at-major-upgrade/
[2] https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_17_air-13502.php
[3] https://bgr.com/tech/iphone-17-air-design-might-have-leaked/
[4] https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/10/iphone-17-ultra-might-be-happening-this-year-after-all-heres-why/
[5] https://appleinsider.com/inside/iphone-17
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1j7x0tz/video_shows_iphone_17_mockups_based_on_internal/
[7] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-17/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9w4-26JgxM