Table of Contents
iPhone 17 Pro Max Leaks: Bold New Colors & Record-Breaking Battery
- More iPhone 17 Pro Max images appear
- These are apparently “engineering models”
- We may not get a black version this year
This is the closest photo of the whole Internet to the real iPhone 17 Pro Max. They are engineering machine models. This time there is no black version, only this dark blue.
Introduction
Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event is just hours away, but leaks are heating things up. Among the most tantalizing rumors? Stunning new iPhone 17 Pro Max leaked colors and battery specs that could redefine longevity.
Relevance & What’s Ahead:
In this post, we’ll break down what these leaks mean—for design, for performance, and for your upgrade plans. Considering how often I’ve tracked Apple’s stealthiest launches, I’ll also share firsthand thoughts on what’s worth getting excited about.
Leaked Colors: A Surprise Splash of Blue & Orange
What the Leaks Suggest
Rumors reveal that this year’s Pro Max might skip the usual black titanium and embrace more vibrant tones—specifically, a bright-ish orange and dark-ish blue finish. (The Sun, Indiatimes) These “engineering models” were shared by reliable leaker @UniverseIce, though it’s unclear if these color swatches reflect the actual retail finishes or just internal prototypes. (The Sun)
What This Means for Style
Apple’s Pro models—like the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro—traditionally offered black titanium, desert titanium, natural, and white. (Wikipedia) Ditching black for orange and blue is a bold design pivot. That said, it’s possible the black option might still appear at launch, or the leak refers only to early units. (The Sun)
Personal Take
As someone who’s owned every Pro Max since the 11, I find this shift both refreshing and divisive. Blue could be a sleek departure; orange, while eye-catching, may polarize. Either way, it signals Apple’s willingness to shake up expectations.
Battery Performance: The 5,088 mAh Game-Changer
What the Leaks Reveal
According to regulatory filings cited by MacRumors and others, here are the iPhone 17 series battery capacities, with notable differences between models with and without SIM trays:
| Model | With SIM Tray | eSIM-Only |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 3,692 mAh (+3.7%) | Same |
| iPhone 17 Air | 3,036 mAh | 3,149 mAh |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 3,988 mAh | 4,252 mAh (+18.7%) |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 4,823 mAh | 5,088 mAh (+8.6%) |
(MacRumors, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar)
Why It Matters
- First iPhone over 5,000 mAh: The Pro Max could be Apple’s longest-lasting battery yet. (MacRumors, Tom’s Guide)
- SIM tray advantage: eSIM-only variants offer slightly larger batteries—Apple is clearly using that internal space to boost capacity. (MacRumors, 9to5Mac)
- Pro Max endurance: Expected to deliver several extra hours per charge compared to its predecessor. (AppleInsider)
Expert Analysis
- MacRumors confirmed the leak likely stems from a credible Chinese database. (MacRumors)
- AppleInsider notes the 5,088 mAh figure could translate into “four more hours” of usage. (AppleInsider)
- 9to5Mac emphasizes Apple’s smart use of freed-up internal space for battery gains. (9to5Mac)
Personal Observation
If past battery trends are any guide, a Pro Max bombshell like this could dramatically change what I—and many others—expect from a flagship iPhone. If 5,000 mAh becomes the new standard, that’s a power move.
What It All Means for You
Should You Wait?
- Looking for longevity? The iPhone 17 Pro Max looks like a battery beast. If your current phone struggles by midday, this model might be your cure.
- Design-conscious? The rumored blue and orange are daring vibes—perfect if you want to stand out. If you’re more classic, hold a little hope for black or dark gray at launch.
What to Watch at the Event
- Final color lineup: We’ll see if black is indeed omitted or still included.
- Official battery specs: Apple avoids mAh numbers but will tout performance gains—I’ll compare that to the leaks ASAP.
Here’s a clear and structured comparison between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17, highlighting upgrades and their likely impact on pricing. Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into one section!
Major Upgrades from iPhone 16 to iPhone 17
1. Display & Design Enhancements
- ProMotion 120 Hz OLED & Larger Screen
The standard iPhone 17 ups the game with a 120 Hz ProMotion OLED display and a slightly larger screen—around 6.27″ vs 6.12″ on iPhone 16—delivering smoother animations and more immersive visuals. (TechRadar, Tom’s Guide) - Slimmer Bezels & Refreshed Build
Expect a sleeker design with slimmer frames, and on Pro models, a new aluminum-glass body and enhanced cooling system (vapor chamber) for better heat dissipation. (The Sun, Tom’s Guide, El País)
2. Processing Speed & RAM
- New A19 Chipset
The iPhone 17 replaces the A18 with the next-gen A19 (and A19 Pro) chip—likely offering improved performance and efficiency thanks to Apple’s continued 3 nm process. (The Sun, Indiatimes, TechRadar, Wikipedia, ZEERA WIRELESS) - More RAM for Pro Models
While the iPhone 16 models all ship with 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 lineup boosts RAM to 12 GB on the Air, Pro, and Pro Max—supporting faster multitasking and AI workloads. (Cinco Días)
3. Camera & Imaging
- Higher-Resolution Selfie Camera
Upgraded from 12 MP to 24 MP front-facing, improving selfie and video-call clarity. (TechRadar, Cinco Días) - Rear Camera Improvements Across the Board
- All models: 48 MP rear sensors with enhanced image processing. (Cinco Días, Indiatimes, Wikipedia)
- Pro Max: bigger redesign, new horizontal camera bar, and advanced cooling. (The Sun, The Sun, Tom’s Guide, El País)
4. Battery and Charging
- Larger Batteries
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to sport a 5,088 mAh battery, significantly larger than iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering substantially longer usage. (The Times of India, Indiatimes, El País) - Faster Charging
The iPhone 17 series is said to include 35W wired charging and improved wireless speeds, a marked upgrade over the previous 20W limit. (TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, Indiatimes)
5. Connectivity & Features
- Advanced Wireless Standards
The iPhone 16 supports Wi-Fi 7, whereas the iPhone 17 adds Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and potentially a new in-house Wi-Fi 7/7+ or Wi-Fi 7 chip (improved speed and ecosystem integration). (Apple, TechRadar, Indiatimes, Wikipedia) - eSIM Expansion
iPhone 17 continues the trend toward eSIM-only models, eliminating physical SIM trays in many regions for sleeker internals and additional space (e.g., for battery). (LOS40, Wikipedia) - Software & UI Overhaul
Ships with iOS 26 and the “Liquid Glass” UI design, offering more fluid visuals, along with advanced features like real-time translation, improved messaging (polls), and smart call handling. (The Sun, Wikipedia)
Summary Table: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 60 Hz, ~6.12″ OLED | 120 Hz ProMotion, ~6.27″ OLED |
| Chip | A18 / A18 Pro | A19 / A19 Pro (faster and more efficient) |
| RAM | 8 GB across models | Base: 8 GB; Air/Pro/Pro Max: 12 GB |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP | 24 MP |
| Rear Camera | 48 MP fusion, standard config | 48 MP, horizontal bar design (Pro Max larger bump) |
| Battery (Pro Max) | Standard | ~5,088 mAh (bigger battery) |
| Charging | ~20 W wired | ~35 W wired, faster wireless |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Lightning | Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, improved Wi-Fi chip |
| SIM Setup | Physical + eSIM variants | Mostly eSIM (no tray) |
| Software/UI | iOS 18, older UI | iOS 26 with Liquid Glass design |
What These Upgrades Mean for You (and the Price Tag)
Benefits of Upgrades
- Smoother visuals with 120 Hz screens
- Greater performance with A19 and more RAM
- Sharper selfies and better main camera versatility
- Longer battery life and faster charging
- Future-proofed connectivity with USB-C and Wi-Fi 6E
- Modern UI & exclusive iOS 26 features
Pricing Reflections
- Media leaks estimate modest increases—$50–$100 more for Pro models, while the base iPhone 17 may hold at around $799. (Indiatimes, Tom’s Guide, Cinco Días, LOS40)
- In Europe, prices could range—€939 for the base model and €1,439 for the Pro Max. (Cinco Días, LOS40)
- Overall, while the iPhone 17 offers enticing upgrades—especially in camera, battery, and display—the price increases appear incremental, not leap-frogged.
Conclusion
If you’re using an older iPhone or prioritize battery, display smoothness, and camera quality, the iPhone 17 offers real enhancements. Pro buyers especially gain with extra RAM, faster chip, and design improvements. Those with iPhone 16? You might still find the pricing justifies the bump—especially if one of these upgrades aligns with your needs.
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max leaked colors and battery capacity offer a compelling sneak peek into Apple’s next flagship. A bold orange and blue aesthetic paired with a record-breaking 5,088 mAh battery could redefine both style and endurance.
Keep an eye on our live coverage of the “Awe Dropping” event, and feel free to comment with your thoughts:
- Which color do you hope makes the final cut?
- Will you choose the Pro Max for battery alone?
