Apple is reportedly considering adding a new iPhone model called the iPhone 17 Ultra for 2025, potentially replacing the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The rumored device would offer distinct upgrades over the existing Pro Max, including a larger Dynamic Island and vapor chamber cooling system.
The idea of an “Ultra” model gained traction in pre-launch rumors surrounding the iPhone 15 and 16, but ultimately didn’t materialize. Now, a new report suggests that Apple may revisit the concept. According to the Korean news aggregator account yeux1122 on the Naver blog, the iPhone 17 Ultra would likely be a renaming of the Pro Max, rather than a separate device.
The proposed design changes for the iPhone 17 Pro Max would include a smaller Dynamic Island and vapor chamber cooling system. However, it’s unclear if these upgrades would justify the introduction of a new “Ultra” model. For this to work, the iPhone 17 Ultra would need to offer more substantial differences from the Pro Max than just camera improvements or increased battery size.
The implications of an iPhone 17 Ultra are still speculative at this point, but they do suggest that Apple may be planning for a significant design shift in the near future.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/03/15/apple-iphone-17-ultra-report-says-all-new-iphone-coming-this-fall