iPhone 17 Pro Max Leaks Reveal Apple’s Biggest Battery Push Yet
The iPhone 17 Air is certainly among the most eagerly awaited smartphones at this moment, and while experts indicate that phone manufacturers are hurrying to introduce similar devices, leaked details imply that Apple is subtly rethinking its strategy for premium smartphone design. Apple is opting for a thicker design instead of a slimmer one, not for style reasons, but to prioritise what users arguably value more: long-lasting power.
As per trustworthy industry leaks, the body thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be 8.725mm, an increase from the 8.25mm thickness of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Although the size variation might appear negligible, this intentional enlargement is said to allow for a bigger battery—marking the first such change for the Pro Max series since the iPhone X days when slimness was prioritized.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro is anticipated to maintain the same dimensions as its predecessor, keeping Apple’s flagship “Pro” model visually consistent while offering no changes to battery capacity. With that choice, the two Pro variants can be distinguished more clearly from one another — apart from their size and cost.
Apple’s change in priorities is remarkable. The brand has positioned design thinness as the core of its identity for years, frequently sacrificing battery life or thermals in the process.
With the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple seems poised to change that narrative. The company is tackling one of the few remaining criticisms from long-term users—battery endurance—by adopting a slightly thicker chassis.
The current benchmark for the iPhone 16 Pro Max from Apple features video playback of up to 33 hours and audio playback of 105 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s larger volume is expected to further elevate those numbers, potentially making it the best-performing battery in the history of the iPhone — and perhaps even in the wider premium smartphone market.
What’s especially indicative is the absence of any significant camera upgrade that is exclusive to the Pro Max this year. In prior years, Apple set apart the Max model by means of enhanced zoom lenses or stabilisation features. However, in 2025, the main selling points may be power and practicality.
If this is accurate, it indicates a subtle but important change in Apple’s design philosophy — one that prioritizes durability over sophistication and functionality over consistency. As the market becomes filled with ultra-slim, high-end devices, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may herald a new age in which a flagship device is fully powered rather than just lightweight.