iPhone 17 Rumors Swirl: Thicker Pro Max, Thinner Air, and Potential Price Hikes

The rumor mill is churning with details about Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, expected to be announced this fall. While much attention is focused on the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, leaks suggest Apple is also taking a different approach with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, making it thicker and heavier. This decision, coupled with whispers of potential price increases, has the tech world buzzing.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Bigger is Better?

A recent hands-on video, courtesy of Majin Bu on X, showcases a dummy model of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, revealing its increased dimensions. According to leaked data, the next Pro Max will measure 8.725mm thick, a noticeable difference compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 8.25mm. In contrast, the sibling iPhone 17 Air will supposedly be only 5.6mm thick.

The increase in thickness is rumored to accommodate a larger battery, potentially addressing concerns about battery life on high-performance devices. Some speculate that this could even lead to an "Ultra" rebrand, mirroring the bulkier, more rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra. However, opinions are divided on whether Apple will introduce an iPhone 17 Ultra.

iPhone 17 Air: Trading Toughness for Thinness

On the other end of the spectrum, the iPhone 17 Air is aiming for extreme thinness. To achieve this, rumors suggest Apple might ditch the titanium frame, opting for aluminum instead. This decision has sparked concerns about durability, as titanium is known for its toughness and resistance to scratches and dents. Would trading toughness for thinness prove to be a worthwhile compromise?

Price Hike on the Horizon?

Adding to the intrigue, rumors of potential price increases for the iPhone 17 lineup are circulating. Factors such as tariffs, production costs, and the overall health of the US economy could all play a role in determining the final price tag. While the exact cost remains uncertain, analysts suggest that tariffs on goods imported from China and India could significantly impact the price of the next iPhone.

According to CNET, based on current iPhone 16 prices, a 10% tariff on goods from India could raise the price of an iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) to $1,319. A potential 145% tariff on goods from China could skyrocket the same model to $3,231. Even without tariffs, experts predict Apple may be overdue for a price increase, potentially raising the base iPhone model's price by $50 to $150.

Aluminum Armor on the Horizon?

There's also a possibility that Apple will introduce aluminium for frame of the iPhone 17 Air, toughnes will take a back seat in favour of less weight. It remains to be seen how Apple will balance thinness and durability in the iPhone 17 Air. Perhaps they're working on “Aluminium Armor”

What do you think of the potential design changes and price hikes for the iPhone 17? Will the thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max appeal to users seeking longer battery life? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

• Apple
• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro Max

Related issues news

When is Apple releasing the iPhone 17?

Pre-orders are likely to open around September 12, followed by general availability beginning September 19. With a mix of bold design changes, hardware upgrades, and a deeper focus on AI, the iPhone 17 lineup could mark one of the most significant iPhone generations in years.

How much is the iPhone 17 Air?

Early rumors had the iPhone 17 Air topping the iPhone Pro in price. However, a March Bloomberg report suggested the phone could cost around $900, similar to the current iPhone 16 Plus's price tag.