iPhone 17 Pro Max Leaks: The Most Radical Design Updates Yet!
Apple's iPhone updates are always met with great expectation, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max is looking like one of the most extreme redesigns in recent memory. Thanks to supply chain rumors and insider leaks, we have a better idea of what's in store.
If you're debating whether to level up from a previous iPhone or wait for the 17 Pro Max, this analysis of its most significant design shifts will make it simpler for you to decide.
Apple's eagerly awaited iPhone 17 series will release in September 2025. Although months are yet to pass before the launch is officially announced, rumors and leaks are already mounting. The iPhone 17 series will reportedly feature four models with significant design overhauls, hardware improvements and one huge surprise.
Now, naturally, not all leaks or rumors are believable or are bound to happen, but the hype is providing us with a glimpse of what might be coming our way. From a redesigned design language to enhanced displays and cameras, here's everything we have so far about the iPhone 17 series according to online reports.
Apple has plans to drastically shake up its iPhone series by dropping the Plus version and introducing a slimmer, lighter version of the phone—the iPhone 17 Air. The super-thin phone is set to be marketed for customers who prefer a lighter, smaller smartphone without losing screen size. The rumors are promising, particularly as we witness mobile makers diverting attention to slimmed-down specific models—such as Samsung, which recently released its slimmest Galaxy 25 Edge at a mere 5.8mm.
The iPhone 17 Air will boast a 6.6-inch screen fitted into an ultra-slim frame that is only 5.5mm in width—the thinnest iPhone of today's times.
New leaks indicate the Air model would be weighing in at approximately 145 grams, just shy of an ounce from the new iPhone 16. The thinner build might be at the expense of some features. As per reports, it would feature just a lone rear camera and mono speaker out since there isn't enough space. The USB Type-C port could also be slightly off-centre in the iPhone 17 Air.
Yet the largest sacrifice for the iPhone 17 Air's paper-thin profile may be its battery life. The latest leak from Naver user "yeux1122" says the Air model will feature a 2,800mAh battery—down significantly from the 3,561mAh of the iPhone 16 and the 4,685mAh of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
To make up for it, Apple can unveil cutting-edge silicon-anode battery tech, which would boost capacity by 15 per cent without increasing thickness. There is also speculation that Apple could return the iPhone battery case to those with the need for more power.
1. The Notch & Dynamic Island are Over – Say Hello, True All-Screen Design
What's Changing?
Under-screen Face ID & front camera – Apple is said to be placing all sensors underneath the screen, removing the necessity for a notch or Dynamic Island.
MicroLED-like OLED panel – A new display technology will make sure brightness and clarity aren't compromised by concealed components.
Thinner bezels than ever before – Almost edge-to-edge screen for an uninterrupted look.
Why It Matters
This would be the very first all-screen iPhone, and it would be a long-held dream for Apple enthusiasts.
2. Solid-State Buttons: Say Goodbye to Physical Clicks
What's Changing?
No physical power or volume buttons – Instead, ultra-realistic capacitive touch zones with haptic feedback (such as the iPhone 7 home button).
Enhanced water & dust resistance – Fewer moving parts = fewer points of entry for damage.
Movable button actions – Remap buttons for shortcuts, camera launch, or other purposes.
Why It Matters
This shift may render the iPhone 17 Pro Max the toughest iPhone yet, while also making it have a minimalist, button-less look.
3. Titanium Frame… But Thinner & Lighter
What's Changing?
New titanium-aluminum hybrid – More robust than singular titanium but lighter.
Thinner profile – Speculations indicate up to 10% thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
New matte texture – Improved grip and reduced fingerprints.
Why It Matters
Apple is also fine-tuning the premium build materials while making the phone more comfortable to hold and carry.
4. Largest Camera Upgrade Ever – Periscope on Every Lens?
What's New?
Periscope zoom on ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses – No longer settling for compromised zoom quality.
"Night Vision" mode – Employing near-infrared sensors for never-before-seen low-light shots.
8K ProRes video at 60fps – First on smartphones.
Why It Matters
This might turn the iPhone 17 Pro Max into the best camera phone of all time, even better than DSLRs in certain situations.
5. A19 Pro Chip: The Fastest iPhone Ever
What's Changing?
Based on TSMC's 3nm+ (N3P) process – 30% more efficient compared to A18 Pro.
40% quicker GPU for console-class gaming – Ray tracing support enhanced.
Exclusive AI Neural Engine – Supports real-time Siri advancements, on-device AI, and more.
Why It Matters
If you are concerned with raw performance and AI, the A19 Pro will be a beast of an upgrade.
6. Might We Have a Foldable iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Rumor:
Apple is said to be trying out a foldable iPhone with a 6.8-inch primary display and a second outer screen.
New hinge technology to help prevent creasing (whereas Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold creases).
iPadOS-style multitasking when unfolded.
Why It Matters
If true, this would be Apple’s biggest design shift in a decade—finally competing with foldable Android phones.
Release Date & Price
Expected Launch: September 2025
Starting Price: Likely $1,299+ (up from iPhone 16 Pro Max)
Final Verdict: Should You Wait?
Wait for iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want:
✅ True all-screen design (no Dynamic Island!)
✅ Next-gen A19 Pro chip & AI features
✅ Periscope cameras on every lens
✅ Possible foldable model
Buy iPhone 16 Pro Max if you:
✅ Need an immediate phone
✅ Are okay with the Dynamic Island
✅ Want a fantastic (but not revolutionary) upgrade
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is looking like Apple's most extreme redesign since the iPhone X. With under-display Face ID, solid-state buttons, a periscope camera system, and potentially even a foldable model, this might just be the iPhone to wait for.
What is your opinion? Are the leaks exciting enough to make you hold out, or will you pick up the iPhone 16 Pro Max? Share it with us in comments!
