Apple is reportedly making a major shift in cooling for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expected in September 2025. According to several leaks, including one from tipster Majin Bu, these models will feature a vapor chamber cooling system. This would mark the first time Apple uses active thermal management in iPhones, moving beyond the graphite sheets and passive methods it currently relies on.
Vapor chambers are already used in Android flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The system involves a sealed metal plate with liquid inside. As the phone heats up, the liquid evaporates and spreads heat across the chamber. Once cooled, it condenses and repeats the cycle. This setup helps maintain stable performance during intense gaming tasks, which Apple’s current designs can struggle with.
Majin Bu recently shared a photo of what he claims is the iPhone 17 Pro’s copper thermal plate. The image shows a structured surface with microchannels to distribute heat from the logic board and camera module. Interestingly, the vapor chamber extends over the camera area, hinting that Apple may be using the frame and housing as extra heat sinks. This fits with earlier leaks showing a wider camera bar on dummy units.
While Majin Bu has a mixed track record, his claims echo earlier reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Back in 2021, Kuo said Apple was testing vapor chambers for the iPhone 13. The feature didn’t ship then, but Kuo later reported it was being reconsidered for the iPhone 17 Pro due to higher thermal demands.
Those demands stem from the A19 Pro chip and a brighter, more power-hungry display. The Pro models will likely need more than just cosmetic changes to handle the extra heat. Apple is also rumored to be switching from titanium to aluminum chassis, which are lighter and better at absorbing heat.
Non-Pro models like the iPhone 17 and new iPhone 17 Air are expected to stick with traditional cooling. That could lead to noticeable performance differences under stress. Apple currently uses graphene sheets and metal battery casings to manage heat, but these may no longer be enough for its most powerful phones.
Beyond thermal improvements, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is said to feature three 48MP rear cameras and 8K video recording. A 24MP front-facing camera is also rumored for all models. The entire lineup is expected to get ProMotion displays with 120Hz refresh rates, while the Pro versions could include a refined design.
