We have been hearing a lot about Apple’s iPhone 17 series, and this time, it seems that along with a slight design change, we may also see a change in the iPhone nomenclature.
According to well-known tipster Yeux1122 (via MacRumors), the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be rebranded as the iPhone 17 Ultra. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this rumor—it’s been floating around since the iPhone 15 days—but 2025 might finally be the year Apple pulls the trigger. After all, the company has already embraced the “Ultra” label for its chips and Apple Watch. Why not its flagship phone?
Now, if the rumor does hold even an ounce of reality, the iPhone 17 lineup could look something like this: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Ultra. There’s a certain elegance to this naming scheme, don’t you think? Each variant gets a single, distinctive word, making it easier for consumers to differentiate. But here’s the twist: the iPhone 17 Air name isn’t set in stone. This sleek, super-slim model, rumored to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, has been the subject of countless leaks. Yet, Apple seems to be playing it coy with the final branding.
Now, let’s talk about the iPhone 17 Ultra—because if the rumors are true, this phone is shaping up to be a beast. Picture this: a smaller Dynamic Island, a vapor chamber for enhanced cooling (and, by extension, better performance), and a beefed-up battery capacity. Sure, the added battery might make the phone slightly thicker, but who’s complaining when you’re getting more power and better thermals? It’s a trade-off worth making.
And let’s not forget iOS 19, which is rumored to be getting a major overhaul. Pair that with the iPhone 17 Ultra, and 2025 could be a landmark year for Apple. We’ll likely get our first glimpse of iOS 19 at Apple’s WWDC in June.