Rumors about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup have been swirling for months, and when it comes to design, big changes seem inevitable. From the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air to the reimagined camera array on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple isn’t playing it safe this year. But for anyone who values a phone that fits comfortably in one hand, the latest leaks about the Pro Max model bring disappointing news—though there’s a clear upside.
New reports indicate this year’s Pro Max, typically the most feature-packed iPhone in the lineup, is set to become the thickest model ever made. Its thickness is rumored to jump from 8.25mm to 8.725mm, a noticeable bump for a device that’s already not the easiest to pocket. For those who modern smartphones feel like “bricks,” an even bulkier Pro Max is hardly appealing. But here’s the catch: that extra heft is all about solving a top complaint from U.S. users.
Battery anxiety is a constant for American iPhone owners—research shows the average user starts panicking when their battery hits 38%, with younger generations stressing out at 43% . Apple fans have begged for better endurance for years, and a thicker chassis would let Apple cram in a larger battery. The leak, from a reliable Weibo account called TheNews with a strong track record of accurate tips, explicitly ties the added thickness to battery upgrades . And let’s be real—what good is a fancy camera system if your phone dies halfway through a concert or commute?
If these rumors hold, they also make the previously confusing iPhone 17 Air make perfect sense. That model is poised to be Apple’s thinnest ever at around 5.5mm , ditching the Plus size in favor of extreme slimness. For users who’d rather sacrifice some battery life (the Air is expected to have a smaller 2800mAh cell ) than carry a bulkier device, it’s a clear trade-off. Apple seems to be splitting the difference: one iPhone for power users who prioritize all-day battery, another for design-focused shoppers who want something sleek.
We’ll have to wait until September to confirm the iPhone 17 lineup’s final specs, but 2025 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s biggest design years yet. The Pro Max’s potential thickness bump joins other rumored overhauls, like a horizontal camera bar across the Pro models’ backs and a smaller Dynamic Island . Pair that with the head-turning iOS 26 update revealed at WWDC—featuring a translucent “Liquid Glass” design inspired by visionOS —and it’s clear Apple is leaning into its “Think Different” roots this year.
