iPhone 17 Ultra just tipped to replace Pro Max in new leak — with these key upgrades

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A more powerful, high-end iPhone

iPhone 17 Pro render
(Image credit: FPT/Asher Dipps)

If rumors are to be believed, the launch of the iPhone 17 is going to see some of the biggest changes to Apple's smartphones in years.

On the Korean blogging platform Naver, the regular leaker yeux1122 shared a big post about the iPhone Pro Max, which might get replaced by the a more high-end iPhone 17 Ultra.

  • iPhone 17
  • iPhone 17 Air
  • iPhone 17 Pro
  • iPhone 17 Ultra

This is the first time we've come across mention of an Ultra model this cycle with most rumors sticking with the Pro Max branding. Even renderings and dummy models that gave us our first look at the lineup are still the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

We're taking this bit with a spoonful of salt.

That said, if the Ultra is coming, yeux1122 also claims the high-end model will have several exclusive features that won't be on the other iPhone 17 handsets.

Larger Battery

iPhone 17 Pro render

(Image credit: @asherdipps/X)

Recently it was rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max would be thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max in order to hold a larger battery.

Yeux1122 seems to believe that this larger battery will actually go in the Ultra variant. How much larger was not specified.

Smaller Dynamic Island

iPhone 14 dynamic island maps

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

According to supply chain analysts and parts suppliers, says Yeux1122, the Ultra will get a smaller dynamic island. Apparently, there were not enough parts ordered to supply other models.

"Component supply orders suggest that there aren’t enough parts to extend this feature to the Pro model," they wrote (machine translated).

Vapor chamber cooling

3D printed models of alleged iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro design

(Image credit: Majin Bu)

Apparently, the Ultra model will get a cooling system that the other phones won't feature. The Pro models were just tipped to receive this system by leaker Instant Digital.

It could make the phone last longer as it's able to keep cool longer.

If you're unfamiliar with vapor chamber cooling, my colleague, Josh Render, who used to be a phone engineer has an explainer here.

A totally new iPhone

According to the report, Apple wants the entire lineup to be differentiated from the existing iPhone 16 series as well as the new e-series, which seems like it will be annual.

"Apple is attempting a new change in marketing and sales by making a major design change to the existing iPhone and changing iOS 19," they wrote.

They also said the foldable iPhone is expected in 2026 and that Apple is looking ahead to organize branding before that phone becomes part of the lineup.

Assuming Apple keeps it usual schedule, we should see the Ultra arrive in September with the rest of the iPhone 17 models.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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