The contours of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, expected to launch this September, are gradually coming into focus. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is likely to be thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery.
While the rear camera bump will grow in size, the rumored two-tone design is not expected to materialize.
On Monday, industry sources reported that 9to5Mac, citing IT tipster Ice Universe, revealed the iPhone 17 Pro Max will measure 8.725mm (approximately 0.34 inches) thick, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 8.25mm (approximately 0.33 inches). This would make it the thickest iPhone since the 2011 release of the iPhone 4S, which measured 9.3mm (approximately 0.37 inches).
Previously leaked mock-ups of the iPhone 17 series indeed show the Pro Max model as noticeably thicker compared to its counterparts.
Ice Universe attributes this increased thickness to Apple’s decision to incorporate a larger battery in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Reverting to Aluminum Frames
The iPhone 17 series is set to introduce various external changes compared to its predecessors.
Notably, Apple appears poised to revert to aluminum frames for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, moving away from the titanium frames used in the iPhone 15 and 16 series.
Several reasons have been proposed for Apple’s potential return to aluminum. Primarily, aluminum’s lighter weight could help offset the increased thickness of the new models. Additionally, aluminum’s lower carbon footprint aligns with growing environmental concerns.
However, some analysts suggest cost-cutting measures may be at play, given that titanium frames are more durable and expensive to produce.
In contrast, the newly introduced ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a titanium frame, likely chosen to ensure structural integrity in its slimmer design.
It’s now confirmed that the rear camera bump on the iPhone 17 series will evolve from a square to a rectangular shape, occupying a quarter of the rear design.
However, the rumored two-tone design, featuring a contrasting color for the camera bump, is not expected to materialize.
Upgrades Across the Board: A19 Pro Chip, 12GB RAM, and Enhanced Cameras
The iPhone 17 series is set to receive significant upgrades in various specifications.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to feature the new A19 Pro chip. Both models will see an increase in RAM to 12GB.
Camera improvements are also on the horizon. All iPhone 17 models will feature an upgraded front-facing camera, jumping from 12 to 24 megapixels.
The telephoto camera, exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, will see a substantial boost from 12 to 48 megapixels.
Tech publication MacRumors has highlighted additional enhancements, including a more scratch-resistant display, Apple’s custom Wi-Fi 7 chip, simultaneous dual video recording capabilities for front and rear cameras, 8K video support, and improved thermal management.