“Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, set for a September 2025 launch, is stirring buzz with rumors of a potential rebrand to iPhone Ultra. Leaks suggest a thicker design, a 5,000mAh battery, and a triple 48MP camera setup. A redesigned logo and MagSafe layout add to the speculation, but will Apple adopt the Ultra moniker for its flagship?”
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Ultra Rebrand Rumors Heat Up
Recent leaks and reports about Apple’s iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in September 2025, have sparked speculation about a significant change: the iPhone 17 Pro Max may be rebranded as the iPhone 17 Ultra. Sources indicate that Apple is contemplating this shift to align with its premium branding, as seen with the Apple Watch Ultra. The move could emphasize the device’s enhanced features, setting it apart from the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the new iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a thicker body, measuring approximately 8.725mm, compared to its predecessor. This design tweak is expected to accommodate a larger 5,000mAh battery, a first for an iPhone, matching the capacity of flagship Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The increased battery size, combined with the A19 Pro chipset and a new vapor chamber cooling system, could push battery life to around 35 hours, a notable improvement over the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 33 hours.
Camera upgrades are another highlight. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is said to sport a triple 48MP rear camera system, covering wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, with an upgraded 24MP front camera. Some reports suggest the inclusion of 8K video recording and dual video recording capabilities, allowing simultaneous use of front and rear cameras. A redesigned rectangular camera module, with the LiDAR sensor and flash shifted to the right, is also expected.
Design changes extend beyond the camera. Leaks point to a repositioned Apple logo on the back, potentially affecting the MagSafe charging coil’s layout. The device may feature an aluminum frame and come in a new Sky Blue colorway, similar to the latest MacBook Air. These alterations aim to refresh the iPhone’s aesthetic while maintaining its premium appeal.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to run on iOS 26, featuring the new Liquid Glass interface. The Pro Max model will likely retain its 6.9-inch display, consistent with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the iPhone 17 Pro will have a 6.3-inch screen. The rumored iPhone 17 Air, an ultra-slim model with a 6.6-inch OLED display and a single 48MP camera, is set to replace the Plus variant.
Pricing remains a key consideration. In India, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to cost around Rs 1,64,900, reflecting rising production costs and global supply chain challenges. This price hike, combined with the Ultra branding speculation, could position the device as Apple’s most premium offering yet. However, some analysts question whether the Ultra name will materialize, citing Apple’s cautious approach to rebranding.
The battery-first design approach, as highlighted in recent posts on X, underscores Apple’s focus on addressing user demands for longer battery life. Yet, with iOS 26 introducing new battery management systems, the actual runtime gains remain uncertain. The vapor chamber cooling system, a feature common in Android flagships, could also enhance performance during intensive tasks like gaming or video recording.
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s rumored upgrades are substantial, the Ultra rebrand remains speculative. Apple’s history of reserving the Ultra moniker for its Watch series suggests caution, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s enhanced features could justify the shift. As the September launch nears, all eyes are on Apple to confirm whether the Ultra name will debut in its iPhone lineup.
Disclaimer: This article is based on leaks, rumors, and reports from various sources, including Forbes, MacRumors, The Financial Express, and posts on X. Information is subject to change, and official details will be confirmed only at Apple’s launch event in September 2025. Readers are advised to verify specifications and pricing before making purchase decisions.