iPhone 17 Ultra May Replace 'Pro Max' Model with 3 New Features
- Apple might trade “Pro Max” for a name that’s catching everyone off guard.
- A smaller cutout, thicker body, and secretive cooling tech are on the table.
- Some analysts are hinting that Apple’s priciest iPhone could get a total revamp.
Apple’s iPhone lineup may be getting its biggest shake-up in years, according to a flurry of new reports. The notion of an 'Ultra' model has come and gone in past rumor cycles, but the idea is resurfacing yet again—this time with a twist that might replace the Pro Max model.
Photo via Geeky Gadgets // A concept rendering of Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Ultra, previously rumored to be called the 'iPhone 17 Pro Max.'
“Rumors regarding Apple’s iPhone 17 Ultra name change,” says the Korean news aggregator account “yeux1122” on Naver, citing sources from Weibo, Taiwan, U.S. investment reports, and supply chain trends. The account suggests that Apple’s largest high-end device could arrive as the “iPhone 17 Ultra” rather than the usual Pro Max moniker. While Apple has never confirmed these rumblings, the blogger points to three key features that might justify this higher tier.
Smaller Dynamic Island
The Naver blog notes that past speculation linked a narrower Dynamic Island to both iPhone 17 Pro models, but it now cites supply chain orders indicating the smaller cutout could be exclusive to the Ultra. As the blog phrases it, the component volume is “insufficient to cover both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max” (quoted from the source’s summary), suggesting only the top-tier model would showcase this design tweak.
Photo via ITC // Will the iPhone 17 Ultra (17 Pro Max) get a major redesign in the front-facing camera department?
Some analysts, like Jeff Pu, have also mentioned a narrower Dynamic Island for the Pro Max, although Ming-Chi Kuo has questioned that possibility. So there’s some real debate on this feature, but it’s clear that rumors are clustering around the idea that Apple wants to differentiate the biggest iPhone more than ever.
Vapor Chamber Cooling
A specialized cooling system, known as vapor chamber cooling, has popped up in multiple reports. However, yeux1122 believes it may be limited to the new Ultra device. If true, that could help the phone run at high performance without overheating—especially useful for gaming or graphically demanding tasks. While earlier chatter claimed both Pro models (or even the entire iPhone 17 lineup) might get this system, the latest claims hint that only the Ultra variant would benefit.
Thicker Frame and Larger Battery
Another rumored perk: a bigger battery in the top-tier model. The Naver blog asserts that the phone will be thicker than the standard iPhone 17 Pro, which lines up with other leaks that say the largest device will pack more battery capacity. Analyst Jeff Pu once mentioned the possibility of 12GB of RAM for the Pro Max, although he predicted both Pro models would get the same bump. Ming-Chi Kuo has offered conflicting information. Regardless, it’s clear Apple wants the largest model to stand apart, and a bigger battery would certainly do that.
Photo via PhoneArena // The rear camera design of Apple's top-tier iPhone flagship, now rumored to be called the 'iPhone 17 Ultra,' is also expected to change this year.
iPhone 17 Lineup
Putting all these rumors together, several sources hint that Apple could adopt a fresh naming scheme:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Ultra
This naming approach would align with how Apple designates everything from Macs to iPads: “Air” implies slimness and consumer appeal, “Pro” caters to demanding users, and 'Ultra' signals a fully loaded experience—much like the Apple Watch Ultra or the M3 Ultra chip. It remains speculative, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple wants to justify a premium price with a model that stands apart in design and functionality.
Photo via The Evil Geek // The expected 2025 Apple iPhone 17 lineup. It's still unconfirmed whether Apple's ultra-slim model will be called '17 Air' or '17 Slim.'
Why the 'Ultra' Name Makes Sense
Apple watchers have long felt that if the Pro Max continues adding exclusive features, a new label could make it more distinct in the market. The existence of the Apple Watch Ultra also sets a precedent. One intriguing parallel: the Apple Watch Ultra is thicker, more robust, and has better battery life than the standard Series watch. The rumored iPhone 17 Ultra, if it follows this pattern, would be bigger, heavier, and likely longer-lasting than its siblings. That similarity alone has people convinced the Ultra label might appear this year.
Conclusion
While nothing’s official, there’s a consistent buzz that Apple is ready to refresh the iPhone name and design in a way we haven’t seen for a while. The same speculation suggests a major iOS 19 update could accompany these hardware changes. If Apple truly wants to separate its largest phone by making it thicker, more powerful, and cooler (literally, with vapor chamber tech), calling it 'Ultra' might feel like a logical evolution.
We’ll find out how accurate these reports are when Apple typically unveils its latest iPhones around mid-September. For now, the rumor mill is in full swing, and the possibility of a new top-tier Ultra model seems more alive than ever.
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