A recently leaked diagram reportedly reveals that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max may incorporate a vapor chamber cooling system, marking a significant potential change in Apple’s approach to thermal management for its flagship smartphones. This is the third independent report supporting the inclusion of a vapor chamber in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, increasing the likelihood that this advanced cooling solution will appear in the device.
The image was shared by iOS developer @LusiRoy8 on X and publicized by Phone Arena. Although the leaker lacks an established track record, the consistent pattern of similar leaks lends credibility to the rumor. The leaked diagram suggests that the vapor chamber will be sizable, potentially enabling it to draw heat away not only from the phone’s chipset but also from storage and RAM components.
A vapor chamber is a metal enclosure filled with liquid that vaporizes under heat. The resulting vapor spreads across the chamber, distributing thermal energy away from critical internal components. This technique is widely used in Android smartphones and high-performance devices but has not yet appeared in any iPhone models, which have so far relied on graphite sheets for passive cooling.
The expected benefits of incorporating a vapor chamber cooling system in the iPhone 17 Pro Max include sustained peak performance, as improved heat dissipation helps prevent thermal throttling under heavy workloads. It may also make the device more comfortable to hold during intensive use and reduce the risk of heat-related hardware degradation.
At present, it remains unclear whether only the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature vapor chamber technology. Earlier leaks pointed to possible inclusion in both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, while some sources speculated that all models might adopt the new cooling system.
Apple is expected to confirm final details regarding the new models at its scheduled event on September 9.
