The iPhone 17 Pro Max could introduce several major changes this year, with one of the most anticipated upgrades being a significantly larger battery.

Apple appears to be continuing its effort to differentiate the iPhone 17 Pro series from its predecessors, with notable improvements in both hardware and software.

A recent leak suggests Apple may redesign the internal layout of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to accommodate a larger battery - potentially the biggest ever in an iPhone.

Images believed to show the internal design of the iPhone 17 Pro Max have surfaced ahead of its expected unveiling next month. The photos were shared by the account “yeux1122” on South Korea’s Naver platform, known for compiling Apple-related leaks. It’s unclear if “yeux1122” is the original source of the images, and their authenticity remains unverified.

Although unlikely to be official CAD renders from Apple, the images appear consistent with previously leaked information.

The images suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a steel-encased battery - matching prior rumors. It is expected there will be two battery versions: an L-shaped design for models retaining a physical SIM slot, and a rectangular version for SIM-less models (such as those sold in the US).

iPhone 17 Pro Max to feature 5,000mAh steel-encased battery

Apple previously introduced steel-encased batteries with the iPhone 16 Pro, while the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro Max continued using traditional black foil-wrapped cells.

On the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, Apple used an adhesive that can be loosened with low-voltage current (from a 9V battery or external power source), making battery replacement easier. Leaker Majin Bu predicts that the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max batteries will also be removable in the same way.

The leaked images also show a significantly larger rear camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro Max - supporting long-circulated rumors. The layout of the MagSafe system and charging port is also partially revealed.

iPhone 17 Pro Max to have exclusive high-end camera features

While these images don’t reveal much new information, they reinforce previous reports.

Leaked details from South Korea claim the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, up from the 4,685mAh unit found in last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. This same estimate was shared by Instant Digital in a Weibo post in late July, suggesting that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will house the largest battery ever in an iPhone. The 5,000mAh figure is likely an approximate value rather than an exact specification.

If accurate, this puts the iPhone 17 Pro Max on par with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched earlier this year.

However, the iPhone 17 Pro series is not expected to offer faster charging speeds, and Apple is unlikely to include a charger in the box.

Earlier, Majin Bu also posted images of a steel-encased, L-shaped battery believed to be from the iPhone 17 Pro.

The leaked photos highlight the structural differences between the U.S. and Chinese models. The U.S. version features a wider chassis due to the absence of a SIM tray, allowing for a horizontally extended battery that maximizes capacity without compromising design.

The Chinese version, on the other hand, includes space for a SIM tray and retains an L-shaped battery similar to previous generations.

According to Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Pro battery module is precisely constructed with welded edges and a new adhesive that simplifies battery replacement. While charging speeds remain unconfirmed, the steel casing suggests improved heat management, possibly enabling higher power output - similar to what was introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Hai Phong