What we know about the iPhone 17
- Written by Phillip Riley and Ryan Callahan
While Apple has not officially announced the iPhone 17, rumors and leaks provide some insight into what we might expect from the next generation of iPhones. The iPhone 17 series is anticipated to launch around September 2025 and is expected to include four models, with some significant changes to the lineup and design.
Here's a summary of the key rumors and potential features:
New Models and Design:
iPhone 17 Air: A new ultra-thin model is rumored to replace the Plus model in the lineup. It is expected to be the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made, potentially measuring around 5.5mm thick (excluding the camera bump). The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature a titanium chassis and a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera.
Display Size Changes: The standard iPhone 17 is rumored to feature a larger 6.27-inch display, matching the size of the current iPhone 16 Pro display. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a display around 6.6 inches, while the Pro models may retain similar sizes to their predecessors.
Redesigned Camera Layout: The iPhone 17 Air and Pro models are rumored to feature a new rectangular camera bar with rounded corners, similar to the Google Pixel design. The Pro models are expected to retain a triangular lens arrangement within the bar.
Aluminum Frames for Pro Models: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may feature aluminum frames with a glass section on the back, a change from the stainless steel or titanium frames used in previous high-end models.
Display and Performance:
ProMotion for All Models: Apple is expected to expand ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) to all iPhone 17 models, not just the Pro versions. This would provide smoother scrolling and video, and enable an always-on display with a refresh rate as low as 1Hz.
Faster Displays: The displays on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Wi-Fi 7 Chip: All iPhone 17 models are expected to include a new Wi-Fi 7 chip, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity.
Increased RAM: The iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air are expected to include 12GB of RAM, an improvement over the 8GB in current high-end models. The standard iPhone 17 is rumored to remain at 8GB.
Vapor Chamber Heatsink: The iPhone 17 lineup may feature a vapor chamber heatsink to improve thermal performance.
Camera Enhancements:
48-Megapixel Telephoto Lens: The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to feature a new 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, making them the first iPhones with a rear camera system composed entirely of 48-megapixel lenses.
Upgraded Selfie Camera: Apple is said to be working on an updated 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens for the iPhone 17 models.
Single-Lens 48-Megapixel Rear Camera: The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera.
Other Potential Features:
Scratch-Resistant Display Layer: The iPhone 17 Pro models may feature a new scratch-resistant anti-reflective display layer.Wireless Charging: The iPhone 17 models are likely to support up to 25W wireless charging using third-party MagSafe accessories, thanks to compatibility with the Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard.
Color Options: The base iPhone 17 model is rumored to come in six colors, including existing Black and White, and four new ones: Steel Gray, Green, Purple, and Light Blue. The iPhone 17 Air is said to come in Black, White, Light Blue, and Light Gold.
No SIM Tray: The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly not have a SIM tray, even outside the US.
It's important to remember that these are all rumors and subject to change. We will have to wait for Apple's official announcement to confirm the features and specifications of the iPhone 17 series.
A detailed look at what we can expect from reliable sources - The Details
Here’s the latest on the iPhone 17 lineup—everything that reputable reports and credible leaks suggest as of late July 2025:
📅 Expected Release Timeline
Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in early September 2025—likely September 9 or 10, with pre‑orders launching the same week and general availability around September 19 or 20 The Independent+15MacRumors+15VietNamNet News+15.
📱 Model Line‑up
Apple is preparing four models for this generation:
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iPhone 17 (standard)
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iPhone 17 Air (a new ultra‑thin variant replacing the former "Plus")
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iPhone 17 Pro
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iPhone 17 Pro Max MacRumors+15MacRumors+15AppleInsider+15
🖥️ Displays & Design
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All models are expected to feature 6.3‑inch OLED LTPO displays with 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rates, including the standard iPhone 17—something previously reserved for Pro versions The Independent+15MacRumors+15Cinco Días+15.
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Bezels are rumored to be slimmer across the entire lineup, giving a more immersive, modern look Wikipedia+3VietNamNet News+3MacRumors+3.
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The Dynamic Island interface could be smaller or redesigned across all models, though some speculation suggests it may debut in full only in iPhone 18 Wikipedia+15VietNamNet News+15MacRumors+15.
🤳 Camera & Imaging
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The standard iPhone 17 is expected to keep a dual-camera setup (48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide), with an improved 24 MP front‑facing camera The Mac Observer+15Cinco Días+15Tom's Guide+15.
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Pro models will likely introduce a redesigned camera bar housing three 48 MP lenses, plus larger telephoto capabilities including possibly up to 8× optical continuous zoom, a new photo/video app, and an additional physical button dedicated to camera controls MacRumors.
🔋 Performance & Battery
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The iPhone 17 lineup may bring either the A19 or A19 Pro chipset, built on a 3 nm process, paired with 8 GB RAM in standard and Air models and up to 12 GB in the Pro variants MacRumors+6Apple Scoop+6Indiatimes+6.
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The Air model’s battery is reportedly around 2,800 mAh, which may challenge its full‑day battery life; however, software efficiency and adaptive power features in iOS 26 (Liquid Glass UI, AI optimizations) could help mitigate that Wikipedia+3LOS40+3Tom's Guide+3.
🎨 Color Options & Build Materials
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iPhone 17 colors: Black, White, Steel Gray, Green, Purple, Light Blue
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iPhone 17 Air: Black, White, Light Blue, Light Gold
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Pro/Pro Max: Black, White, Gray, Dark Blue, and Orange (“Desert titanium”) Tom's Guide+13MacRumors+13MacRumors+13.
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Pro models may use aluminum frames (a shift from past titanium builds); Air may blend aluminum/titanium for ultra-thin structure MacRumors+5Apple Scoop+5Indiatimes+5.
🌐 Software & Connectivity
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Ships with iOS 26, featuring Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language and advanced on-device AI enhancements WikipediaWikipedia.
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Connectivity upgrades may include Wi‑Fi 7 support, MagSafe charging updates, and possibly Apple’s own 5G modem (C1) on select models Indiatimes+2Tom's Guide+2Indiatimes+2.
💰 Pricing & Market Availability
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iPhone 17 Air is rumored to start around US $899 (approx. ₹90,000 in India).
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Pro Max pricing may exceed ₹1.6 lakh in India, reflecting a general upward trend across regions Indiatimes+4Engadget+4The Times of India+4The Times of India+1Indiatimes+1.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17 looks to be a major refresh—particularly in display quality, form factor, and camera upgrade for creators. While the standard model improves incrementally, the iPhone 17 Air brings Apple’s slimmest iPhone yet and the Pro models pack features aimed at video and power users. True confirmation will come at Apple’s official event in September 2025.
