Apple is reportedly planning to launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year, potentially replacing the Pro Max model. Recent rumors, previously issued before the launches of iPhone 15 and 16, claim the Ultra will feature new hardware, such as a smaller Dynamic Island, a vapour chamber cooling system, and a larger battery, making it thicker than its predecessor. This move aligns with Apple’s use of the “Ultra” designation in other products, suggesting a significant hardware upgrade could justify a price increase. While still speculative, the situation will be monitored as further developments emerge.
There are reports suggesting that Apple is set to introduce an iPhone 17 Ultra this year. However, this is not the first time we’ve encountered such speculation; similar rumors surfaced prior to the releases of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series, indicating that the Ultra might either succeed the Pro Max or be positioned above it. Now, those very claims have resurfaced.
A report on the Naver blog states that the forthcoming iPhone 17 Ultra is poised to take the place of the Pro Max. This assertion is based on supply chain market analysis, indicating that Apple is gearing up to launch a device with enhanced hardware features. For example, the Ultra is expected to utilize a more compact Dynamic Island, and the order quantities suggest it may not be feasible to support both the Pro and Ultra models.
The report further indicates that the Ultra will uniquely feature a vapor chamber cooling system and will be equipped with a larger battery compared to last year’s Pro Max. Consequently, this model will also have a thicker design.
While this might sound implausible to some, it’s important to note that Apple has embraced the Ultra branding for several of its products, such as the Apple Watch Ultra and the M3 Ultra chip. Moreover, the introduction of an iPhone Ultra with significant hardware enhancements could allow Apple to raise the phone’s price, potentially boosting profit margins as well.
Nonetheless, it’s still somewhat premature to ascertain the accuracy of the report, but we will keep an eye on the development of this story as it unfolds.
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