Recent leaks surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max point to a surprisingly clear design shift from Apple—one that’s all about battery life. For years, Apple has been known for its obsession with making things thinner and lighter. But now, it seems that might finally be taking a backseat. According to several reports, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be noticeably thicker than its predecessor. And the reason? A bigger battery. This change suggests Apple is starting to prioritize endurance over sleekness, something many users have been asking for all along.
Key Takeaways:
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to have an 8.725mm thickness, compared to 8.25mm on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- This added thickness is reportedly designed to fit a larger battery, possibly offering the best battery life ever in an iPhone.
- Unlike past years, the Pro Max model may not offer any standout camera features, putting battery performance front and center instead.
- The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to keep a similar design and battery profile to the 16 Pro.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max currently offers up to 33 hours of video playback and 105 hours of audio playback; the 17 Pro Max may exceed that.
- Rumored battery capacity is around 5,000mAh—potentially the largest yet in an iPhone.
For the longest time, Apple has been known for its minimalist, design-forward approach. That often translated into ultra-thin devices, even if it meant sacrificing battery life. But clearly, things are shifting. People have been vocal about wanting iPhones that last longer on a single charge, and it looks like Apple is listening.
The rumored specs back this up. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is said to be 8.725mm thick—a bump up from the 8.25mm on the 16 Pro Max. At first glance, this might seem like a negligible change. But inside that difference is extra room for a larger battery. It’s the kind of move that signals a clear break from the past. Apple hasn’t made such a distinct battery-first hardware decision since perhaps the iPhone X era.
It’s also telling that this year, unlike in previous years, there aren’t any significant camera upgrades exclusive to the Pro Max. Traditionally, Apple has used the Max models to showcase the best of its imaging tech—think better zoom or stabilization. But this time? It feels like the headline feature is simply power. More battery. Longer use. Less worry.
And that might actually be a smart move. These days, more people care about not having to recharge their phone constantly than they do about taking professional-grade portraits. The iPhone 16 Pro Max already pushes the envelope with 33 hours of video playback and 105 hours of audio. If Apple manages to push those numbers higher with the 17 Pro Max, it could reshape what “premium” really means in this space.
That rumored 5,000mAh battery? It’s worth pausing on that. If true, it would be the largest ever in an iPhone—a full-fledged attempt to match, or even exceed, what competitors in the Android space have been offering for years.
It’s also worth noting that the regular iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t appear to be changing much in terms of battery or size. That means the Pro Max might start to stand out not just for its display or price tag, but because it simply lasts longer. It’s a functional distinction, not just a cosmetic or performance-based one.
Adding to that, Apple is reportedly baking in new software to help this along. iOS 26 is said to include an “Adaptive Power” feature—an AI-powered tool that manages power usage during demanding tasks. Combine that with a larger battery, and you’re looking at a phone that could deliver real, noticeable improvements in everyday usage.
As for timing? No surprises there. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to drop in September 2025, right on schedule with Apple’s usual release cycle. Pricing rumors suggest it will cost around ₹1,64,900 in India or approximately $2,300 in the U.S., which fits with its premium flagship status.
Ultimately, if these leaks prove accurate, this could be one of the more thoughtful evolutions in recent iPhone history. Apple appears to be tuning in to what people actually want: phones that go the distance. In a landscape obsessed with thinness and camera specs, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could offer something refreshingly different—staying power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: What are the main battery improvements expected in the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
A1: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a larger battery, possibly around 5,000mAh, thanks to a slightly thicker design. This could result in significantly longer battery life compared to past models.
Q2: How will the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s design change compared to earlier models?
A2: It’s rumored to be 8.725mm thick, up from 8.25mm in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The extra thickness mainly serves to accommodate a bigger battery, signaling a shift in design priorities.
Q3: Will the iPhone 17 Pro also get a larger battery?
A3: Current leaks indicate the standard iPhone 17 Pro will maintain similar size and battery performance to its predecessor. The major battery boost appears to be exclusive to the Pro Max.
Q4: When is the iPhone 17 Pro Max expected to be released?
A4: It’s expected to launch in September 2025, following Apple’s usual annual iPhone release pattern.
Q5: What is the expected price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
A5: Rumors suggest a price point around ₹1,64,900 in India and about $2,300 in the United States, in line with Apple’s premium pricing strategy.
