It’s already been a significant year for the iPhone, thanks to the unexpected arrival of the iPhone 16e. However, the biggest news of the year is yet to be announced. This year, we expect the iPhone 17 series to arrive in September, which is anticipated to include an “iPhone Air” model for the first time.
What else should you expect? Let’s take a look.
iPhone 17: possible release date
Apple has a fairly regular release schedule for the flagship iPhone line, though there have been some deviations in the past. However, it’s safe to say that the iPhone 17 will be announced and launched sometime in the fall, specifically in September.
Let’s look at Apple’s historical track record when it comes to some of the recent iPhone releases.
- iPhone 16: Announced September 9, released September 20, 2024
- iPhone 15: Announced September 12, released September 22, 2023
- iPhone 14: Announced September 7, released September 16, 2022
Unless there’s another anomaly like the iPhone 12’s October 2020 release, we can expect to see the iPhone 17 lineup revealed sometime in September 2025.
iPhone 17: possible price
Despite rising tariffs, we’ve seen no official indication that Apple is poised to raise the prices of this year’s iPhone lineup. In fact, even the all-new iPhone Air (see below) isn’t expected to undergo a massive price hike from the model it’s likely to replace, the iPhone Plus.
The base iPhone 17 should start at $799, the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,299. The iPhone 17 Air is being tipped to launch at roughly $900.
iPhone 17: design
From the rumors we’ve seen so far, it looks like the iPhone 17 lineup could see some design changes from the current iPhone 16 family.
One of the bigger changes we may see this year is the possibility of Apple returning to a curved-edge design rather than the flat edges that have been around since 2020. This would harken back to the first few iPhone iterations before Apple switched to flat edges, and then alternated back again. This change may apply to all models of the iPhone 17, or maybe only the base models or only the Pro models. Regardless, if this change is true, then it would be one of the biggest design tweaks to the iPhone in several years.
iPhone 17 Air
According to rumors, Apple is eliminating the Plus size from its lineup. Instead, it will be replaced with a slimmer model dubbed the iPhone 17 Air.
Reports about this device suggest that it will be 25% thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro. This thinness would be achieved by Apple using its in-house modem to replace the Qualcomm modems it previously utilized. However, a significantly thinner chassis may leave limited room for the battery, which is an important consideration.
The iPhone 17 Air is likely to feature only a single-lens rear camera. Regarding the placement of the rear camera, reports indicate that it may adopt a vertical layout in the top-left corner like the iPhone 16 or switch to a large, centered camera bump on the back.
There may not be enough space on the bottom edge for a speaker, so the iPhone 17 Air may only have one speaker at the top. The frame will consist of titanium and aluminum, but with a higher proportion of aluminum than titanium compared to the current Pro models.
iPhone 17
Considering that Apple just tweaked the design of the iPhone 16, it’s unlikely that we will see any major revamp for the base model iPhone 17.
Rumors have suggested that Apple may actually slightly increase the size of the base model iPhone 17 to 6.3 inches (up from 6.1 inches), which would be the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro. Aside from that, though, there hasn’t been much information about the base model’s design changes. Some mock-ups (like the one above), suggest we’ll see a new camera design, but it’s too early to tell at this point.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
While the iPhone 16 Pro models maintained a familiar design reminiscent of previous years, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are poised for substantial changes that could redefine their appeal.
Initially, there were rumors suggesting that Apple might abandon titanium in favor of an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, a recent report from December suggests that Apple plans to continue utilizing titanium for these devices. This situation is rife with speculation, and we can anticipate a wave of conflicting reports leading up to the official launch next September. At this point, both materials remain viable options, although we tend to believe that titanium will make the final cut, given its premium qualities.
The design of the back glass could also see alterations, shifting from a fully glass surface to a combination of aluminum and glass. Industry rumors propose that the upper half of the back panel could feature aluminum, while the bottom segment retains the glass finish necessary for wireless charging functionality. The incorporation of aluminum would not only enhance the device’s aesthetics but also provide greater durability against accidental drops, thus improving overall user experience.
In terms of camera design, the iPhone 16 Pro models were underwhelming due to minimal changes in this area. However, the iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to introduce significant upgrades. Apple may eliminate the traditional square camera module in favor of a sleek rectangular camera bar crafted from aluminum. This innovative design choice mirrors the approach taken by Google with the Pixel 9 Pro, indicating a trend towards more streamlined camera aesthetics.
Another intriguing possibility for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the introduction of a smaller Dynamic Island. This potential modification stems from the implementation of a new “meta-lens” for Face ID, which could allow for a more compact design and therefore less spatial demand on the device.
Furthermore, there are whispers about offering brighter, more saturated color options for the iPhone 17 Pro models, including striking shades like dark green, teal, and classic green. This information has been attributed to leaker Majin Bu, although it’s wise to approach these claims with some skepticism, as this particular leaker has had a mixed record when it comes to the accuracy of past rumors.
A recent rumor suggests the iPhone 17 Pro series could be offered in a color that was last seen on the MacBook Air.
iPhone 17: display
One of the biggest complaints about the base model iPhone, even with the iPhone 16, is that it still uses a display with only a 60Hz refresh rate. That may be changing with the iPhone 17 series.
According to industry sources, Apple may use LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays across the iPhone 17 lineup. Yes, that includes the base model and the Slim variant. LTPO technology allows an OLED screen to have a dynamic refresh rate while using less power. With this in mind, all iPhone 17 models should have the 120Hz ProMotion always-on display.
Several industry insiders corroborated the report that all iPhone 17 models will get a 120Hz display as of the end of last year.
Another big change we may see is an anti-reflective layer on the glass, which would help reduce glare and make it easier to see outdoors. This coating could also make the screen more resistant to scratches than the current Ceramic Shield.
Now, let’s talk about the sizes of the displays on each model. As we mentioned previously, the base model iPhone 17 could get a bump in size to a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display. The iPhone 17 Air may be 6.6 inches, while the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should remain 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively.
iPhone 17: specs
Apple consistently enhances its iPhone lineup each year by introducing faster and more efficient processors, and the iPhone 17 series will be no exception.
While Apple is not expected to utilize TSMC’s next-generation 2nm chip, the A19 chips anticipated for the iPhone 17 will be built using an upgraded 3nm manufacturing process. This will result in a modest increase in performance and power efficiency.
The standard A19 chip will power the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max versions will feature the A19 Pro chip.
Regarding RAM, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are anticipated to have 8GB of RAM. However, there are mixed reports about the Pro models: one rumor indicates that both Pro models will carry 12GB of RAM, while another suggests that only the Pro Max will feature 12GB, with the standard Pro model having 8GB.
With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple started moving away from Qualcomm by developing in-house modems. This transition is set to unfold over the next three years, meaning at least one of the iPhone 17 models may incorporate Apple’s proprietary 5G modem, while the others may continue to rely on Qualcomm’s technology.
iPhone 17: cameras
The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is set to offer substantial advancements in its camera technology, a development that is sure to excite both enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.
Every model in the iPhone 17 series is expected to feature a significantly enhanced front-facing selfie camera, boasting an impressive 24MP resolution compared to the previous 12MP. This upgrade in megapixels promises to deliver sharper details and more vibrant, clearer selfies, thereby enhancing the overall photography experience.
However, there may still be some notable discrepancies in camera features between the Pro models. Reports indicate that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with a suite of high-performance cameras, including a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera. In contrast, the smaller iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to retain a 12MP telephoto lens. Nonetheless, it’s wise to approach this information skeptically, as alternative reports suggest that both Pro variants may come equipped with a 48MP telephoto lens. Regardless of the final configuration, both Pro models are anticipated to maintain impressive 5x optical zoom capabilities, ensuring versatility in various shooting scenarios.
Additional discussions have surfaced regarding a potential redesign of the camera bump, reminiscent of the camera bar found in the Google Pixel 9 series. Yet, competing reports state that the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera design will remain unchanged. Given that these developments are still in the early stages, it remains uncertain which direction Apple will take.
The slimmer variant will feature a singular yet powerful 48MP camera, promising to deliver high-quality images in a more compact form.
Moreover, rumors suggest that at least one model in the iPhone 17 lineup may incorporate a mechanical aperture system, although the specific model remains uncertain. This innovative feature would empower users to adjust the aperture size, thus controlling the light entering the lens. iPhones utilize a fixed aperture system; adding a variable aperture would enable photographers to create images with a shallower depth of field, enhancing artistic expression in their work.
iPhone 17: battery life
The upgraded manufacturing process for the A19 chip is set to enhance both performance and power efficiency significantly. Apple typically does not opt for major increases in battery capacity with its new releases; however, users can anticipate notable improvements in battery life due to the A19 processor’s enhanced power efficiency. Even if the battery capacity remains similar to that of the current generation, the optimized performance of the chip should lead to a more efficient energy usage, allowing for extended usage times between charges.
Additionally, there’s encouraging news for iPhone 17 users who may need to replace their batteries in the future. Apple has implemented a new type of adhesive that can be easily loosened using a low-voltage electrical current. This technology, which has already been used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, offers a significant advantage over previous adhesives, particularly in the Pro models, which lacked this feature.
This innovative adhesive technology simplifies the battery replacement process, making it more accessible for users. If Apple adopts this method across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, it will alleviate much of the frustration associated with battery replacements, allowing users to extend the life of their devices without the need for extensive repairs or professional assistance. Through these upgrades, Apple seems committed to not only improving device performance but also enhancing user convenience and sustainability.
