Apple may launch the iPhone 17 Ultra to replace the Pro Max line this year, or it may release a completely new, high-end "Ultra" model.
In recent years, there have been reports suggesting that Apple has considered launching a high-end "Ultra" model, potentially replacing the Pro Max line or even placing it above it in the company's product hierarchy.
Before the iPhone 15 launch, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman suggested that the Pro Max model might be called Ultra, but that didn't happen. This information resurfaced during the iPhone 16 rumor cycle, when Gurman predicted a more expensive Ultra model might launch alongside the Pro and Pro Max versions, but that ultimately didn't materialize. However, leaks about this have now resurfaced.

Apple's flagship model this year, often referred to as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, appears poised for significant upgrades. And a South Korean source , "yeux1122," on the Naver blog, has compiled numerous leaks from Weibo, investment reports, supply chain trends, and other sources, suggesting that the 2025 "Pro Max" model might be named the iPhone 17 Ultra.
Exclusive upgrades
Some earlier reports suggested that both iPhone 17 Pro models would have a smaller Dynamic Island, but the most recent leaks have refuted this information.
According to "yeux1122" , only the iPhone 17 Ultra will have a smaller Dynamic Island. Based on component orders for the smaller Dynamic Island, supply is "insufficient" to apply to both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, meaning there's only enough for a single model – and that might only be the top-of-the-line version.
Additionally, "yeux1122" also claims that only the "Ultra" model will be equipped with a vapor chamber cooling system, although some other leaks suggest this feature may appear on both Pro models or even the entire iPhone 17 lineup.
Finally, the blogger stated that the "Ultra" model will be thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro due to its larger battery. This is the only rumor so far that concerns only the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Besides the three upgrades mentioned above, there are many rumored features that could make the iPhone 17 Ultra stand out. According to MacRumors , it was initially reported that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would have 12GB of RAM, but a later leak confirmed that both Pro models will have 12GB of RAM. Similarly, it was initially reported that only the 17 Pro Max would have a 48MP periscope camera, but later it was rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro would also feature a triple 48MP rear camera setup...
Apple's new naming strategy
The source "yeux1122" also stated that there are signs that Apple wants to change its iPhone naming convention. The Plus line may be discontinued and replaced with a thinner version called the iPhone 17 Air. Last month, Apple also expanded the iPhone 16 line by adding the iPhone 16e, which was previously predicted to be the iPhone SE 4.
Adding the "Ultra" name could help Apple create a clearer distinction between its two top-of-the-line iPhone models, justifying the higher price of the "Ultra" model with its more advanced features.
Therefore, the iPhone 17 product line will include: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Ultra.

Apple has established a naming system with "Air," "Pro," and "Ultra" tiers across its various product lines. For example, the MacBook Air and iPad Air are lightweight, consumer-friendly options, while the "Pro" models are aimed at professional users who need higher performance.
The "Ultra" designation, found on products like the Apple Watch Ultra, signifies a premium product with superior capabilities. Additionally, it features the most powerful Apple Silicon chip to date – the M3 Ultra.
Previously, 9to5Mac reporter Ryan Christoffel also questioned why Apple designed the iPhone 17 Pro Max to be thicker while simultaneously launching an ultra-thin model like the iPhone 17 Air. From this, Ryan hypothesized that Apple was trying to create a clearer distinction between the models, including renaming the iPhone 17 Pro Max to iPhone 17 Ultra.
Whether Apple will actually use the "Ultra" designation for its top-of-the-line iPhone 17 model remains a mystery. Apple always has its own plans and may surprise everyone this fall.
Unless there is further confirmation from reliable sources, users will have to wait until the iPhone 17 series launches around mid-September as usual to know for sure.
Watch the iPhone 17 Pro Max sample video (Source: Asher Dipprey):
(According to Macrumors, Forbes, PhoneArena)
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/an-so-iphone-17-ultra-sieu-pham-moi-cua-apple-2380915.html








