If you’ve been keeping an eye on iPhone rumors over the past few years, you might recall the buzz about Apple potentially launching a super high-end model known as the iPhone Ultra. This model was speculated to either replace the current iPhone Pro Max or sit above it in Apple’s smartphone hierarchy. Although these rumors circulated during the pre-launch cycles of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, they ultimately did not materialize. However, recent reports suggest that the speculation surrounding the iPhone 17 Ultra is back on the table.
The latest rumors have been summarized by the Korean news aggregator account yeux1122 on their Naver blog, citing various sources including Weibo, Taiwanese reports, and US investment analysis. The blog highlights several anticipated changes that could be attributed to the upcoming iPhone 17 series. Among the most notable rumored features are:
Smaller Dynamic Island Vapor chamber cooling system Larger battery capacityAccording to analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a narrower Dynamic Island, though this claim has been contested by another well-known analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. Nonetheless, the Naver blog suggests that the component orders for the smaller Dynamic Island are insufficient to cater to both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, implying that only the larger Ultra variant will include this feature.
Furthermore, the blog asserts that the vapor chamber cooling system will be exclusive to the Ultra model, despite conflicting rumors suggesting that it might be available in both Pro models or throughout the entire iPhone 17 lineup. Additionally, the Ultra model is expected to be thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro, primarily due to its larger battery.
While the Naver blog mainly focuses on the Ultra model, it could have expanded on other exciting rumors, such as the potential introduction of 12GB of RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which Kuo predicted in August. However, Pu has disputed this, suggesting that both Pro models will receive a RAM upgrade from 8GB to 12GB. There’s also Kuo’s previous assertion that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the first to feature three 48MP cameras, a claim that has since been questioned by a Chinese leaker.
Given the rumored features for the largest high-end model, the Naver blog outlines what this year’s iPhone 17 lineup could look like:
iPhone 17 iPhone 17 Air iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 UltraThis differentiation strategy could help Apple justify a higher price point for the Ultra model, which is expected to include advanced features. It’s important to note that Apple has established a naming convention where the terms Air, Pro, and Ultra signify distinct tiers across its product categories. For example, the MacBook Air and iPad Air are designed for consumer-friendly options, while Pro models cater to users seeking enhanced performance. The Ultra designation, introduced with products like the Apple Watch Ultra, signifies a top-tier offering with superior capabilities.
As for whether Apple will officially adopt the Ultra moniker for its most premium iPhone 17 model, only time will tell. However, it’s worth noting that Apple has previously discussed this possibility for earlier generations. Until we receive further confirmation from reliable sources, we’ll have to wait for the official launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, which is expected to occur around mid-September, following Apple's usual release schedule.
Stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 17 Pro and the entire lineup as we approach the anticipated launch date!
