Apple iPhone 17 Ultra Might be a New Member with Exclusive Upgrades Over the Pro

The dust is settling after the iPhone 16 series release, which now gives us a chance to talk about the company’s next milestone. The rumor mill is keeping tabs on the iPhone 17 lineup for 2025, and we hear reports that Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max might be promoted above the standard iPhone 17 Pro across three additional categories, on top of the bigger screen and battery.

First things first, the rumor mill believes that the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s promotion comes with a new name. The device might now be called the iPhone 17 Ultra from here on out. This was confirmed over several leaks by a Chinese Blogger yeux1122, and since Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has been anticipating an Ultra model for more than two generations, the new report is gaining traction. 

About what we learned from the latest intel, the new iPhone 17 Ultra seems to have a smaller Dynamic Island for the first time. Supply Chain Analysts report that Apple has ordered components for a smaller dynamic island to start production, but they are only enough for one device. 

The presumption is that the iPhone 17 Ultra gets the more premium and discreet Dynamic Island at the highest retail price.  The Apple iPhone latest price trends suggest this model could be positioned as the most expensive in the lineup. The standard Pro will keep the same notch as before. Other rumors foreshadow that the iPhone 17 Ultra/Pro Max will have a thicker ~8.7mm build to accommodate a significantly larger battery. 

The exact numbers are hidden, but the iPhone 17 Pro will stay behind in the battery category as well. There are some other reports that the iPhone 17 Ultra will have better heat management with a dedicated vapor chamber. This cooling solution will be added to the Ultra’s ~8.7mm thick build. If the rumors are any indication, the vapor might be missing on the iPhone 17 Pro.

The name iPhone 17 Ultra might help Apple clearly reflect the superior nature of the device over the standard Pro iPhone. It’s the same naming convention Apple uses for its silicon and other Apple products. So, it won’t be a shock if the iPhone family gets the same treatment. Still, nothing has been officially confirmed by Apple, so we remain skeptical of the new naming convention until we find more sources corroborate the story.