According to the latest leaks from Ice Universe, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a significant design change, making it noticeably thicker than its predecessor. Reports suggest that the new model will have a thickness of 8.725mm, compared to 8.25mm on the iPhone 16 Pro Max - an increase of 0.475mm.

This design shift is expected to accommodate a larger battery, though Apple has not officially confirmed any improvements in battery life or capacity. If the leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will offer users extended usage times and improved overall efficiency.

Revamped camera system and enhanced photography features

Beyond battery enhancements, another major upgrade for the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be a redesigned rear camera module. According to tech insider Sonny Dickson, Apple is moving away from its traditional top-left camera layout and introducing a wider camera array.

This new configuration will separate the flash, microphone, and LiDAR sensor from the main three-lens camera system, creating a more streamlined and functional design.

This horizontal-style camera module is rumored to appear across multiple models, including iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Breakthrough telephoto camera and front-facing lens improvements

Industry analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu report that all four iPhone 17 models will feature a new 24MP front-facing camera, a significant improvement from the current 12MP sensor. This enhancement is expected to deliver sharper selfies and improved FaceTime video quality.

For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple is set to introduce a groundbreaking 48MP telephoto camera, replacing the 12MP sensor found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This new 1/2.6-inch sensor will offer higher detail, improved low-light performance, and sharper zoomed-in shots compared to the previous 1/3.1-inch telephoto camera.

More RAM, AI performance boost, and a sleeker Dynamic Island

Another major upgrade for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is an increase in RAM from 8GB to 12GB. This change will significantly improve multitasking, enhance AI-powered features under Apple Intelligence, and boost overall system performance.

Additionally, Apple is expected to shrink the size of the Dynamic Island by using a more compact metalens technology for Face ID sensors. This innovation will free up additional screen space, making the display feel even more immersive while maintaining Face ID’s high-security performance.

Exclusive Wi-Fi 7 chip and advanced connectivity

In line with Apple’s strategy to differentiate its Pro Max models, rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the only model in the lineup to feature Wi-Fi 7 technology. Apple is reportedly designing its own Wi-Fi 7 chip, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and improved wireless performance.

Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup and expected release date

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, following its traditional launch cycle. The lineup will likely include:

iPhone 17 (standard model)
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Air (a new ultra-thin model)

With major improvements in battery life, camera technology, AI processing, and connectivity, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most significant flagship upgrades in years.

Hai Phong