Apple fans, buckle up—some notable design changes could be heading your way with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A fresh hands-on leak is making waves, suggesting Apple’s next top-tier model is going to pack on a little more size.
If these details pan out, we might be looking at the thickest iPhone yet, which would be a big shift from Apple’s long-standing thin-is-in philosophy.
Design
Let’s start with aesthetics. A dummy unit reportedly showing off the iPhone 17 Pro Max just surfaced online, courtesy of tipster @MajinBuOfficial. And while it retains the familiar triple-lens setup on the rear left, there are a few tweaks worth noting.
The camera module is bigger, and both the LED flash and LiDAR scanner now sit on the right. The back design overall looks a bit busier, but also more refined and premium.
Thickness
Here’s where it gets interesting. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max already clocked in at 8.25mm thick, leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max could hit around 8.725mm. That’s a 0.5mm bump—minor on paper, but potentially noticeable in hand.
Apple rarely adds bulk without reason, so this change might be doing more than just altering the form factor.
| Model | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 8.25 mm |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 8.725 mm |
| iPhone 17 Air | 5.5 mm (rumored) |
Features
So why the added thickness? While nothing’s official yet, a couple of reasonable guesses have surfaced. One is a larger battery—which could mean better battery life, always a plus.
Another is improved thermal tech, possibly a vapor chamber cooling system, something Android devices have used to manage heat during gaming and heavy tasks.
If true, this upgrade could lead to better performance and device longevity. A small trade-off in thinness for gains in function? Sounds fair.
Variants
Interestingly, while the Pro Max might be getting chunkier, Apple could also introduce an ultra-thin model alongside it. The rumored iPhone 17 Air is said to measure just 5.5mm thick—putting it in line to be one of the thinnest smartphones out there.
So in 2025, we could see Apple go in both directions: its thinnest and thickest phones yet. It’s a bold move, and it’s certainly getting people talking.
Leaks
Of course, none of this is confirmed. The leaked video looks legit, but until Apple makes it official, this is still speculation. The iPhone 17 series is expected to drop in the second half of the year, so we’ll likely have to wait a bit for the full picture.
Leaks can be hit or miss—but for those hoping for stronger performance, cooler thermals, and longer battery life, the slightly thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max might just be the upgrade worth waiting for.
Apple may be stepping away from the ultra-slim race in favor of practicality, and honestly, it might be the smarter move.
FAQs
How thick is the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
It’s rumored to be 8.725mm thick.
Why is the new iPhone thicker?
Possibly for a bigger battery or better cooling.
Is the iPhone 17 Air thinner?
Yes, it’s rumored to be just 5.5mm thick.
When will Apple reveal iPhone 17?
Expected in the second half of the year.
Does thickness affect performance?
It could help with battery life and cooling.
