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The highly anticipated iPhone 17 series is generating significant buzz, with numerous leaks and rumors painting a vivid picture of what to expect in 2025. From a potential new “Air” model to significant camera and display upgrades, here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming lineup. Apple is expected to launch four new iPhone models in September 2025: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and an all-new ultra-thin model, possibly named iPhone 17 Air. For detailed insights, you can refer to reports from MacRumors, Forbes, and TechRadar. [1, 2, 3]
Concept render of the iPhone 17 Pro in Dark Blue and Orange.
iPhone 17: Expected Release Date
Apple typically holds its iPhone keynote event in September, and 2025 is expected to follow this tradition for the iPhone 17 release date. The keynote could take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Pre-orders are likely to open on Friday, September 12, with the official release date for the iPhone 17 series set for Friday, September 19, 2025. iOS 26, the software powering these new devices, is expected to be released to the public on Monday, September 15. [2]
iPhone 17 Design and Models
The 2025 iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to bring one of the most significant design updates since the 2017 iPhone X. Apple is expected to discontinue the “Plus” model due to subpar sales and introduce a new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 “Air”. [1]
Key iPhone 17 design rumors include:
- Four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. [1]
- Thinner iPhone 17 Air: Expected to be around 5.5mm to 6.6mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date. [1]
- Increased display sizes: The standard iPhone 17 is rumored to increase to 6.3 inches (matching the 17 Pro), the iPhone 17 Air at approximately 6.6 inches, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max maintaining 6.9 inches. [1]
- Updated camera bump: The iPhone 17 Air and Pro models might feature a new rectangular or horizontal pill-shaped camera bump, while the standard iPhone 17 may retain a vertical pill-shaped design. [1]
- Material changes: The iPhone 17 Pro models could transition from titanium back to aluminum with a “half-glass half-aluminum” exterior for improved durability and wireless charging support. [1]
- New colors: Rumors suggest new green and purple shades for the iPhone 17 base model, and a copper-like orange, black, gray, silver, and dark blue for the Pro models. [1]
- Slimmer bezels: All iPhone 17 models might feature reduced bezels, extending the design trend from previous Pro models. [1]
- Dynamic Island: Mixed rumors exist, with some analysts predicting a narrower Dynamic Island due to new metalens technology for Face ID, while others expect minimal changes. [1]
iPhone 17 Display Technology
A major upgrade expected across the entire iPhone 17 lineup is the inclusion of ProMotion display technology. This means all four models will likely feature a 120Hz maximum refresh rate for smoother visuals, a feature previously exclusive to Pro models. This will be enabled by LTPO OLED panels. [1, 3]
- 120Hz ProMotion: Available on all iPhone 17 models. [1, 3]
- Always-On Display: Potential expansion to all models, enabled by LTPO technology, though not yet confirmed for non-Pro variants of the iPhone 17. [1]
- Increased brightness: Standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air displays are expected to offer 30% increased brightness compared to previous generations. [1]
iPhone 17 Performance and Internals
As expected, the new iPhone 17 series will come with an upgraded A-series chip, though not yet the 2-nanometer chips from TSMC. [1, 3]
- A19 Chip: The iPhone 17 and 17 Air are expected to feature the standard A19 chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will get the more powerful A19 Pro. [1]
- RAM: iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air models could include 12GB of RAM, an increase from 8GB in current high-end models. The standard iPhone 17 is expected to retain 8GB RAM. [1]
- Apple-Designed Modem and Wi-Fi 7: The iPhone 17 Air may be one of the first iPhones to incorporate Apple’s own 5G modem and all four models are expected to feature Apple’s custom-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip. [1]
- No SIM Tray for iPhone 17 Air: The ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air might lead to the removal of the physical SIM slot entirely. [1]
iPhone 17 Camera Enhancements
Camera improvements are a constant focus for Apple, and the iPhone 17 series will be no exception. [1, 3]
- Upgraded Front-Facing Camera: All iPhone 17 models are rumored to receive a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens, a significant upgrade from the current 12-megapixel sensor. [1]
- iPhone 17 Pro Max Telephoto: The Pro Max is expected to get an upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera. [1]
- iPhone 17 Air Rear Camera: Expected to feature a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera. [1]
- 8K Video Recording: The iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the first iPhone to support 8K video recording. [1]
- Mechanical Aperture and Dual Video Recording: Pro models might include a mechanical aperture for adjustable light and dual video recording (front and rear cameras simultaneously). [1]
iPhone 17 Battery and Charging
Rumors regarding the iPhone 17 battery and charging capabilities suggest some notable changes. [1]
- Easier to remove batteries: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might feature easier-to-remove batteries, similar to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. [1]
- 35W Wired Charging: No change is expected, maintaining the current charging speeds. [1]
- 25W Wireless Charging: Potential support for 25W wireless charging with third-party Qi 2.2 compatible chargers for the new iPhone 17 lineup. [1]
iPhone 17 Pricing
The iPhone 17 price structure may see an increase, with some analysts predicting a $50 hike for the base iPhone 17, starting at around $850. The iPhone 17 Air could be priced at $899, positioning it between the standard and Pro models. [1]
Watch the latest iPhone 17 rumors and leaks for more insights.
While the iPhone 17 may offer incremental upgrades in some areas, the widespread adoption of ProMotion displays and significant camera improvements across the lineup, alongside the introduction of a super-thin “Air” model, promise an exciting release for Apple enthusiasts.
