The potential iPhone 17 Ultra, which might be a rebranded version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to have a distinct design compared to previous models. Here are some key points regarding its design:
1. Thickness and Battery Life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max, possibly to be rebranded as the iPhone 17 Ultra, is rumored to be thicker than its predecessor, measuring 8.725mm compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 8.25mm[1][2]. This increased thickness is likely to accommodate a larger battery, providing better battery life.
2. Cooling System: It may feature a vapor chamber cooling system and a graphite sheet, which are not typical in previous iPhone models. These components are designed to enhance thermal management, allowing for more powerful performance without overheating[1][2].
3. Dynamic Island: The iPhone 17 Pro Max, or potential iPhone 17 Ultra, is expected to have a narrowed Dynamic Island. This could be facilitated by "metalens" technology, which helps reduce the size of Face ID components[1][2].
4. Differentiation from Other Models: The iPhone 17 Ultra would be significantly different from the iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to be ultra-thin at 5.5mm. The Air model is designed for those prioritizing slimness, while the Ultra would cater to users seeking maximum battery life and advanced features[1][2].
5. Design Philosophy: The design strategy for the iPhone 17 Ultra seems to mirror the approach taken with the Apple Watch Ultra, which is thicker and more rugged compared to the standard Apple Watch models. This suggests that Apple is creating a distinct tier for users who value durability and extended battery life over slimness[1].
Overall, if the iPhone 17 Ultra materializes, it will likely offer a unique blend of features and design elements that differentiate it from both previous iPhone models and other models in the 2025 lineup.
Citations:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/10/iphone-17-ultra-might-be-happening-this-year-after-all-heres-why/
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/03/11/apple-iphone-17-pro-max-design-new-leak-hints-at-major-upgrade/
[3] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/02/17/iphone-17-design-will-be-dramatically-different-says-leaker
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMWfKAUe2hQ
[5] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-17-air-ultra-or-iphone-17-pro-in-2025.2439608/
[6] https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulmonckton/2024/12/14/apple-iphone-17-leaked-photos-reveal-surprising-google-pixel-style-design/
[7] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-17-air-with-ultra-thin-design-allegedly-revealed-in-new-video.2449583/
[8] https://www.yahoo.com/tech/iphone-17-pro-max-iphone-192508108.html
[9] https://bgr.com/tech/iphone-17-air-design-might-have-leaked/
[10] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/03/09/apple-iphone-17-pro-max-design-new-leak-hints-at-major-upgrade/