New iPhone 17 Pro Max to feature increased thickness for larger battery, leak reveals

Apple is gearing up to introduce significant changes with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, a model slated for release in 2025 with a sturdier build. Recent reports indicate that the smartphone will see a slight increase in thickness, a design tweak aimed at accommodating a larger battery. Though subtle, this adjustment reflects the company’s efforts to balance aesthetics and functionality, addressing the growing demand for extended battery life in mobile devices. Additionally, the rear design of the device is set to undergo a revamp, featuring a fresh camera layout.

Drawing from insights shared by credible industry sources, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is poised to stand out among Apple’s upcoming releases next year. The official unveiling is expected in the second half of the year, aligning with the company’s traditional launch timeline. In the meantime, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike are eager for more details about the performance and innovations this device might bring to the premium smartphone market.

The emphasis on a larger battery comes at a time when energy endurance is becoming a key competitive edge. The Pro Max lineup, renowned for its advanced specifications, could gain even more appeal with this upgrade. While these details remain unconfirmed by Apple, they are already sparking discussions about how the company plans to merge style and substance in its next generation of devices.

Adjusted design for enhanced battery life

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will see its thickness rise by approximately 0.475 mm, moving from the current 8.25 mm of the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 8.725 mm. This change, disclosed by leaker Ice Universe, is a direct response to the need for a bigger battery. Although the increase may seem minor, it marks a shift from Apple’s long-standing focus on slimmer designs, suggesting a potential pivot to meet user expectations for longer usage times.

Other dimensions, such as width and height, are expected to stay consistent with the previous model, preserving familiarity in handling. However, the thickness adjustment isn’t the only update. Leaks indicate that the rear camera module will adopt a rectangular panel with rounded edges, housing all lenses in a new configuration. This refreshed layout will extend across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the base, Pro, and Pro Max models, bringing a cohesive aesthetic to the series.

While the prospect of a larger battery is promising, specifics about improvements in battery life remain unclear. The Pro Max variants have historically outperformed other models in this area, yet it’s uncertain whether the iPhone 17 Pro Max will deliver a noticeable leap in autonomy over the iPhone 16. The size increase might simply be a structural necessity rather than a guarantee of extended performance.

Performance expectations for the iPhone 17 Pro Max

The potential for a bigger battery in the iPhone 17 Pro Max has fueled speculation about its energy capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro Max currently offers up to 29 hours of video playback and 95 hours of audio, placing it among the top performers in its class. With the expanded capacity, the new model is likely to at least match these benchmarks, though hardware and software optimizations could push those figures higher.

Beyond the battery, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature upgrades in other areas. Speculation points to a new A19 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, which could enhance both power efficiency and processing speed. The display is expected to retain its 6.9-inch size with 120 Hz ProMotion technology, while the camera system might see improvements, particularly in the 48 MP main lens. Though unconfirmed, these enhancements align with Apple’s pattern of delivering incremental upgrades with each iteration.

The premium smartphone market is highly competitive, with rivals like Samsung and Google pushing the envelope on battery capacity and fast charging. In this landscape, the tweak to the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be Apple’s bid to stay ahead, especially for users who value extended usage without frequent recharges. However, the lack of details on faster charging capabilities leaves some questions about the scope of these advancements.

Launch timeline and Apple’s trends

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is scheduled to debut in the second half of 2025, with an official announcement likely in September, following Apple’s established annual cadence. The event, typically held in Cupertino, California, will unveil the full details of the new lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Slim. Until then, the available information stems from leaks and industry analyst insights.

Here’s an overview of the expected timeline for the iPhone 17 lineup:

• January to June 2025: Development and prototype testing phase.
• July to August: Mass production ramps up at Apple’s partner facilities, such as Foxconn.
• September: Global launch event, with pre-orders starting shortly after.
• October: Availability in physical and online stores.

This schedule underscores Apple’s consistency in its release cycles, a rhythm that consumers have come to expect. The new models are likely to reach markets like Brazil a few weeks after the international rollout, with pricing adjusted to local economic conditions.

Visual and functional innovations in focus

In addition to the thickness increase, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will sport a noticeable change on its back. The new rectangular camera panel will replace the triangular arrangement used since the iPhone 11 Pro, offering a sleeker, more integrated look. This design shift will unify the appearance across the iPhone 17 series, potentially optimizing internal space for additional components.

Internally, Apple may enhance the cooling system, a critical feature to support the new chip and larger battery. Recent tests on models like the iPhone 16 indicate ongoing efforts to improve heat dissipation, and the 2025 Pro Max is expected to build on this. Durability remains a priority, with the titanium frame retained and IP68 water and dust resistance upheld.

For users, these updates point to a more robust iPhone suited for demanding tasks like 8K video recording and high-end gaming. The blend of practical enhancements and refined design reinforces Apple’s dominance in the premium segment, even as competitors roll out devices with bold specifications.

What to expect from the larger battery

The expanded battery in the iPhone 17 Pro Max is among the most talked-about aspects of recent leaks. For context, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, released in 2023, features a 4,422 mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max maintains a similar capacity with tweaks that boost runtime. The new model could exceed 4,500 mAh, a notable milestone for the lineup.

Here are some potential benefits of the larger battery:

• Extended usage time on 5G networks, which are more power-intensive.
• Longer support for features like ProRes video recording and high-definition gaming.
• Reduced reliance on portable chargers during extended travel.

That said, Apple often prioritizes efficiency over raw capacity, meaning the real-world gain will hinge on the iOS 19 software, expected to launch alongside the device. The continued lack of ultra-fast charging—capped at 25W wired and 15W wireless via MagSafe—remains a point of contention among power users.

Market impact and consumer behavior

The thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max might polarize Apple’s fanbase. While some will welcome the promise of better battery life, others may prefer the slimness of current models. In markets like Brazil, where iPhones command premium prices, this update could appeal to those seeking a high-end device for prolonged use, such as content creators and gamers.

Pre-orders, typically opening a week after the announcement, tend to see strong demand, particularly for the Pro Max variant. In 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro Max sold out initial stock in under an hour in markets like the U.S. and China, a trend that could repeat in 2025. In Brazil, retail prices are expected to start around $12,000 BRL, depending on exchange rates and storage options.

Competitors are also responding. Brands like Samsung, with the Galaxy S25 lineup, and Xiaomi, with the Xiaomi 15 Pro, are set to launch in early 2025 with batteries exceeding 5,000 mAh and charging speeds above 100W. Apple, however, sticks to its ecosystem-driven approach, retaining a loyal audience despite these aggressive specs.