The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in the second half of this year, with a new addition to the lineup that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. According to a recent report from South Korea, Apple is preparing to introduce the iPhone 17 Ultra, which will replace the current iPhone 16 Pro Max variant. If the report proves accurate, this would mark the debut of the “Ultra” designation for Apple’s smartphones, following its use in the company’s smartwatches and chipsets.
The news comes from Naver, a South Korean blog that has shared insider details from sources within the supply chain. According to these sources, the iPhone 17 Ultra will replace the Pro Max version, which has traditionally been the flagship model in the iPhone lineup. While Apple has yet to officially confirm these details, the introduction of a new “Ultra” variant would be a significant shift in Apple’s naming convention, and it could suggest a new level of premium features for the brand.
The iPhone 17 Ultra is rumored to feature a few notable upgrades, starting with a smaller Dynamic Island—a design element introduced with the iPhone 14 series. Another significant change expected with the Ultra model is the inclusion of a vapour chamber cooling system, which would help manage the phone’s thermal performance more effectively, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming or video rendering. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Ultra is tipped to come with a larger battery than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, resulting in a slightly thicker design. The current iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4,685mAh battery, which provides up to 33 hours of video playback on a single charge, so the Ultra could offer even more endurance.
While the exact specifications and features of the iPhone 17 Ultra are still shrouded in mystery, it is expected to be a significant step up from its predecessors. With Apple constantly pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, the Ultra variant could represent the pinnacle of the iPhone 17 series, offering advanced cooling solutions, enhanced battery life, and a more refined design. Fans of Apple’s flagship devices will be eagerly awaiting official announcements to confirm whether this new model will make its debut later this year.
