A new iPhone 17 Pro Max hands-on video has just given us the first real-world look at the upcoming phone ahead of its September reveal. And here’s the big news: it’s getting thicker and heavier than ever before.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max thickness: 8.725mm, up from 8.25mm in iPhone 16 Pro Max.
  • iPhone 17 Air thickness: Just 5.5mm makes it the thinnest iPhone ever.
  • New hands-on video shows a dummy unit of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
  • The Pro Max could be leaning into an Ultra-style design like Apple Watch Ultra.

First Look: iPhone 17 Pro Max Looks Thicker in New Video

While Apple is making the iPhone 17 Air its thinnest iPhone yet, the Pro Max is going in the opposite direction. A new hands-on video reveals a chunkier design, possibly to make room for a larger battery and more Pro-level features.

A new 33-second clip shared by reliable leaker Majin Bu on X, gives us a close-up look at the design changes in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max. The model shown in the video appears noticeably bulkier, a clear shift from Apple’s usual sleek design language.

Related: Major iPhone Redesign Plans Till 2027 Leaked

Why the increase in thickness? Most likely, it’s to accommodate a bigger battery or advanced camera tech. This could give the Pro Max more staying power and better performance for demanding users.


A Tale of Two Extremes: Thin vs. Thick

This year’s iPhone lineup is set to show off two design extremes:

  • The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be ultra-thin at just 5.5mm, replacing the current Plus model.
  • Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max bulks up to 8.725mm, possibly hinting at a more rugged, power-focused experience.

Some thought this Pro Max redesign could mean a rebrand to iPhone Ultra, following Apple’s naming strategy with the Apple Watch Ultra. That may not happen now, but design-wise, it sure fits the Ultra mold.

Related: iPhone 17 Pro May Support Camera Bump Accessories, Leak Reveals


What This Means for Pro Users

If you’re a fan of the Pro Max lineup, you might welcome the extra bulk if it means better battery life, durability, or new hardware. Apple is clearly setting up the Pro Max as a performance powerhouse, even if it means breaking away from the slim profile we’re used to.

More details will come at Apple’s fall event, but for now, this hands-on video gives us a strong clue about what to expect.

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Apple, iPhone, News,

Last Update: May 28, 2025

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