It seems like Apple is ready to shake things up with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, breaking away from the familiar design we’ve seen in recent years. Thanks to renders from Russian YouTube channel Wylsacom and swirling rumors, we’re getting an idea of what could be Apple’s most daring iPhone design since the iPhone X.
A Horizontal Shift in Design
For the first time in years, Apple is moving away from the iconic square-shaped camera module that’s defined the Pro lineup since 2019. According to the renders, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might feature a horizontal rear camera bar, something we’ve seen before on Google’s Pixel phones. Love it or hate it, this new design could bring a fresh aesthetic to Apple’s flagship models.
Gone is the blocky camera cluster in the top-left corner. Instead, we’re looking at a sleek strip spanning the width of the device, housing three 48MP sensors. If these renders are accurate, this design will be the first significant departure in rear panel styling since the iPhone 11 Pro series.
Material Upgrades(?)
The changes aren’t just skin-deep. Apple might ditch the titanium edges introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models, opting for aluminum instead. This could signal a push for lighter, more durable devices. Additionally, part of the glass rear panel may also be replaced with aluminum sections, adding a touch of industrial design to the back of the phone.
Display and Hardware Advancements
The 6.9-inch OLED display on the Pro Max promises buttery-smooth visuals with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate. Internally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to run on Apple’s 3nm A18 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s N3P process. While Apple initially aimed for a cutting-edge 2nm chip, they chose 3nm to keep production costs in check.
The Pro models will come equipped with 12GB of RAM, while the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup will settle for 8GB. This boost in memory is designed to power the next generation of Apple Intelligence, ensuring seamless multitasking and advanced AI-driven features.
A Full Lineup for September 2025
Apple isn’t just overhauling the Pro Max. The 2025 iPhone lineup is shaping up to include four distinct models:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air: An ultra-thin variant for those who want a lightweight design.
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
All signs point to a September 2025 release. With nine months to go, the rumor mill is sure to churn out more details, but one thing’s for sure—this is shaping up to be Apple’s most ambitious launch yet.
Is the Pixel Inspiration Too Obvious?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Pixel-like camera bar. Apple has always been known for its unique design language, so borrowing an idea from Google’s playbook might feel like a bold move—or a controversial one.
Still, the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s renders suggest that Apple isn’t merely copying; they’re refining the concept to fit their ecosystem. Whether this design choice will resonate with fans remains to be seen, but it’s already sparked plenty of debate online.
Thoughts
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be a game-changer. From the horizontal camera bar to the revamped materials and cutting-edge internals, Apple seems ready to redefine its flagship devices. But as with any leaks, it’s important to take these renders with a grain of salt.
What do you think of the rumored design? Is the horizontal camera bar a hit or miss? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to September 2025.
