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We didn’t see a release in 2024, but the elusive rumors of an iPhone Ultra continue to gain traction — a supersized, premium version that has been whispered about for years.
We didn’t get to see an Ultra at last year’s iPhone 16 launch, and we might consider that to be the final nail in the coffin of a high-end iPhone Ultra unless Apple decides to hold an irregular, surprise reveal—but maybe the idea is not fully dead.
Here, we gather discussions and ideas about what to expect from an iPhone 17 Ultra, including features, specs, and price.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 17 Ultra is rumored to launch in September 2025 as Apple’s higher-end premium phone model.
- The iPhone 17 Ultra may feature an aluminum chassis, a larger display, and a flat, flush design similar to the Apple Watch Ultra.
- The phone could feature new upgrades like the A19 Pro chipset, 48MP camera, and under-display camera technology.
- We could also see significant changes to the Dynamic Island thanks to advancements in Face ID technology.
- The iPhone 17 Ultra’s estimated price is likely between $1,299 and $1,499, making it the most expensive iPhone model to date.
What Is the iPhone 17 Ultra?
The secrecy and hype around Apple, in general, can make fools of us all when predicting the manufacturer’s future plans. Rumors of an Ultra model have been circulating for years, but the volume has certainly increased over the last few months.
Having said that, some sources remain skeptical it will happen and predict a four-model 17 lineup, including the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Slim (or Air) with no Ultra being released.
We’ll follow the “there’s no smoke without fire” adage here and say it is going to happen. In the spirit of that assumption, the Ultra model will need to make a number of design and performance statements to justify its creation.
It is likely to feature a significantly thinner design, which may not seem like something users lack. However, if you can pull it off technologically with no battery or performance compromise, why wouldn’t you?
We also expect to see significant improvements in the camera and chip technology, again, because otherwise, it makes little sense to introduce a new premium model if there is no ‘wow factor’ compelling enthusiasts to buy it.
Expected iPhone 17 Ultra Release Date
Possible Release Date: September, 2025
Details of the iPhone 17 Ultra release date are still very sketchy. The most tangible release date for the iPhone Ultra came from Mark Gurman, who, during his 2023 Bloomberg Newsletter, revealed that Apple had discussed launching a higher-end Ultra model alongside the Pro and Pro Max.
Gurman pegged 2024 as the earliest the Ultra would arrive, but as that has come and gone, the next possibility is the 17 Series later this year.
Still, there are still some nuggets of information about what the phone may eventually be…
Expected iPhone 17 Ultra Design, Specs & Features
A19 Ultra Chip, Up to 7.5in Display, 48MP Telephoto Camera Lens
To continue building this unconfirmed model, below is an aggregation of some better-sourced rumors and speculation.
The display is rumored to be somewhere between the iPhone 16 Max and iPad mini, in the region of 6.6 to 7.5in. Apple is also rumored to be slimming down the display with a radical new design that could include an aluminum, not titanium chassis. Some disagree on this point, as some believe it will still be titanium but with a lower ratio to save weight. The screen could utilize LTPO technology for power management and a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. Upgrades to visual quality would also be likely with higher brightness, color accuracy, and improved HDR support.
Thanks to advancements in Face ID technology, we could also see a leaner Dynamic Island, allowing for a more compact sensor system. Or could under-display Face ID eliminate the Dynamic Island altogether?
For many, the iPhone starts and ends with its camera, and an Ultra model must push the boundaries even further to justify inclusion. A new 48MP telephoto lens is rumored to be part of the Ultra’s camera system to offer even better zoom for photos at a distance. There is also talk of upgrades for low-light performance for clearer photos and videos at night. To gild the lily, a 24MP selfie camera upgrade could also be on the cards.
Beneath the sleek facade, the iPhone 17 Ultra is rumored to house the A19 Pro chip, which would mean a big boost in performance. The A19 Pro might include dedicated neural engines for faster AI processing, which could improve features like photo editing and voice recognition. RAM is also expected to reach 12GB to support Apple Intelligence and maximize the AI functionality, which will surely be front and center of this and future iPhones.
In case all of that wasn’t enough, Apple is also rumored to be considering introducing its own 5G modem in the iPhone 17 Ultra to improve network speeds and give Apple more control over the phone’s performance. Wi-Fi 7 support is also a possible inclusion as the new industry standard that would ensure the Ultra model remains at, or near, the pinnacle for years to come.
Lastly, the iPhone 17 Ultra may be equipped with solid-state buttons for volume and power control. This upgrade would offer more tactile user feedback and improve water resistance.
Expected iPhone 17 Ultra Price
Estimated Launch Price: $1,299 – $1,499
Predictions on the iPhone 17 Ultra launch price depend on how much more expensive you think it will be than the current top model.
Educated guesses based on recent price trends and the 16 Pro Max, which arrived in September 2024 at $1,199, put us in the ballpark of $1,299 to $1,499.
The Bottom Line
Given that competition for luxury phones has increased recently between top phone manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, Apple now finds itself in a tight corner.
While the iPhone Pro Max models carry many more premium features that can match those found in brands like Samsung and Google, there are still more gaps to close. Introducing an iPhone Ultra model can usher in new features and specs that can appease the almost insatiable fans’ taste for luxury smartphones.
If features like a large, incredibly thin display, expanded storage capacity, extended peak brightness, and seamless AI integration are included in the iPhone 17 Ultra, they will surely make a difference.
