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The iPhone 16 has been around for approximately six months, and we recently received the iPhone 16e , however, mobile viewers are already shifting their focus towards Apple's upcoming premium smartphone. Reportedly, executives are considering this trend. referring To next-generation iPhones as "the most ambitious in the product's history."
Speculation indicates that the most significant alteration in the iPhone 17 series will pertain to the elimination In favor of choosing the "Plus" version, people are discussing opting for either the "Slim" or "Air" edition instead. Additionally, rumors suggest that the "Pro Max" variation might be renamed to "Ultra," with all four versions potentially receiving updates. 120Hz ProMotion display with 24MP front-facing cameras.
If you didn't update to the iPhone 16 If you're eager to find out what Apple is brewing up or simply interested in discovering what rumors are circulating about the iPhone 17, here’s what trustworthy sources have shared with us until now.
Updated iPhone 17 Series: Introducing the iPhone 17 Air and Pro Max?
In the latest lineup of iPhones, the Plus model seems to have performed the poorest among the four versions available. According to Bloomberg, many consumers prefer to spend an additional $100 for a Pro variant instead.
Introducing the iPhone 17 Air. Various reports it proposes featuring a 6.6-inch screen, a solitary 48MP rear camera, and at least 8GB RAM to back Apple Intelligence ( potentially up to 12GB ), but Apple could refer to it as an "Air" model instead to be consistent with its lineup. MacBook Air and iPad Air models. According According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple intended to bestow the iPhone 17 Pro with port-free design , but opted out of it because of the European Union's USB-C mandate .
The slender model is a component of Apple's ongoing strategy plans To create "the most slender and lightweight items within their respective sectors throughout the entire technology sector." Given a depth of merely 6.25 mm It is anticipated to surpass the iPhone 6 (which measures at 6.9mm thick) as the slimmest iPhone model yet. Earlier this week, leaker Majin Bu revealed this information. shared Images of mocked-up iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro Max models show a notable discrepancy in their thickness.
A potential downside of the slim profile is that it might not accommodate a speaker at the bottom, which means the gadget would probably feature only a single speaker positioned at the top. Additionally, this could pose a risk to its longevity and sturdiness. To prevent a recurrence of such issues, The problem of iPhone 6 Plus units bending According to Gurman, Apple has decreased the screen size of the 17 Air from 6.9 inches down to 6.6 inches.
The remaining three models are expected to keep their current names, however, the display size for both the standard and Pro versions may be enlarged from 6.1 to 6.3 inches. according To analyst Jeff Pu, the Pro Max will maintain a screen size of 6.9 inches, though it might be renamed as the " Ultra And get enhanced functionalities to set it apart from the Pro version.
The 17 Pro Max might also become somewhat bulkier. according According to leaker Ice Universe, the thickness increased from 8.25mm to 8.725mm to accommodate a larger battery.
Fresh Looks
Although the past five iterations of iPhones have had a consistent design, the upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to introduce significant alterations—particularly at the rear.
It is anticipated that all iPhones will feature rectangular camera bumps with rounded edges._based_on_ CAD renders Shared by leaker Majin Bu last month, the iPhone 17 might keep the vertically oriented camera bump seen in the iPhone 16; however, the Slim, Pro, and Pro Max versions could feature continuous horizontally rectangular bumps akin to those found on Google devices. Pixel 9 Pro The bumps might stick out more than normal, as per an image Of phone cases shared by leaker Sonny Dickson.
For professional models, this represents a significant change from the square-edged camera protrusions they have featured since the iPhone 11 Pro . Despite widespread speculation regarding a dual-color scheme (distinct hues for the bump and the rear panel), Gurman ruled Those details have been ruled out, according to a source which disclosed "the camera region will share the same color as the rest of the gadget."
It remains uncertain whether Apple will keep using titanium for the chassis of the Pro models. According to The Information, all iPhone 17 models will use an aluminum frame. But a leaker contradicts This statement asserts that the 17 Pro models will keep utilizing titanium.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the pill-shaped cutout housing the Dynamic Island on the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will be marginally narrower compared to the present iPhones of the 16 series. Additionally, theiPhone 17 Pro Max might receive a new feature. metalens " for Face ID This decreases its size. Dynamic Island .
iOS Overhaul
The iPhone 17 is anticipated to be paired with iOS 19, signaling the transition to this new version. biggest revamp since iOS 7 was released in 2013, for the iPhone operating system, as stated Bloomberg Users will receive updated icons, applications, menus, windows, and system buttons that might seem recognizable to those who have used Vision Pro devices.
The newest application from Apple designed for iOS, Apple Invites , might provide a preview, showcasing more vivid hues compared to other built-in applications and including a settings page with the see-through backdrops evident in visionOS .
This week, Jon Prosser shared a video on his YouTube channel presenting what he claims is an exclusive preview of iOS 19. The images were created based on information provided by insiders at Apple who wished to remain anonymous. According to Prosser, the upcoming operating system will have just minor changes compared to its predecessor. Renderings suggest a design with more rounded edges and nearly translucent elements. However, Prosser notes that there appear to be no significant additions related to artificial intelligence.
In January, he additionally shared a video of a revamped Camera app . Prosser has a spotty track record , and Bloomberg’s Gurman remains doubtful.
"The iOS 19 visuals circulating are not reflective of what will be showcased at WWDC," Gurman tweeted They seem to be derived from quite ancient versions or ambiguous accounts, lacking crucial elements. Look forward to what Apple will unveil in June. Nonetheless, whether real or fabricated, these renderings are invariably thrilling for those keeping an eye on Apple.
Apple's WWDC is scheduled for June 9 where we'll get our initial glimpse of iOS 19 along with additional updates.
Display Changes
According According to ETNews, citing an insider from the display industry, Apple plans to utilize the same low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) screens across all iPhone 17 models. As a result, every new model might feature a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. always-on display (AOD) functionalities—that Apple has thus far limited to its Pro models.
Samsung will produce the displays for the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max editions, whereas LG will construct the screens for the standard and Slim/Air versions of the device, according to the report.
Apple is apparently also in discussions with Corning to ensure the exterior glass of the iPhone 17 series is both "anti-reflective" and more resistant to scratches.
Camera Upgrades
Apple's iPhones have typically featured 12MP front-facing cameras, but this will soon evolve with the inclusion of 24MP front sensors across all four variants of the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. says Kuo. It’s speculated these cameras might be placed more centrally within the Dynamic Island instead of in its left corner.
The iPhone 17 is anticipated to feature dual video recording capabilities with its improved camera system. according To Jon Prosser. This functionality will enable users to capture videos using both the front and rear cameras at the same time. Additionally, another highly anticipated feature among Apple enthusiasts is 5x optical zoom. However, this capability will be reserved solely for the 17 Pro series, as reported by the South Korean source. Elec .
Kuo states that among the Professional series, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the inaugural model to incorporate this new feature. three 48MPcameras The options include wide, ultra-wide, and Tetraprism lenses. It’s uncertain whether these same lens choices will also apply to the 17 Pro.
A Tetraprism can essentially be described as a type of periscope or a method for redirecting light numerous times via glass. This device has been utilized by various mobile manufacturers in their camera systems since 2017 to make distant objects appear nearer on smartphones, as mentioned in our source. expert .
In contrast, the iPhone 17 Slim is anticipated to include just one 48MP rear camera; however, details regarding the backside lenses of both the standard and Pro versions remain unexpectedly limited.
However, according At least one of the upcoming iPhone 17 models will include a manual mechanical aperture, enabling users to change the size of the lens opening and control the amount of incoming light themselves. Presently, all iPhone versions come with a fixed aperture.
There’s also a speculation circulating about 8K video recording For the iPhone 17 Pro models. This is rumor That appeared for the iPhone 16 Pro models too, however, Apple decided to stay with 4K.
Performance Boost
Apple typically upgrades its chipsets annually. As expected, the iPhone 17 and 17 Ultra are likely to be equipped with the A19 chipset, whereas the Pro versions will come with the more advanced A19 Pro chipset.
Nevertheless, opinions differ regarding whether these system-on-chips (SoCs) will utilize TSMC’s 2-nanometer wafers. According to recent reports, the most current information suggests this may not be the case. X post By Kuo, he states that every iPhone 17 model will be equipped with TSMC's N3P, which uses 3-nanometer fabrication technology.
Concerning memory, the 17 Pro Max is anticipated to feature 12GB of RAM, whereas the standard and thin versions are expected to include 8GB of RAM for the 17 Pro variant. According to Kuo, expects 8 gigabytes of RAM, whereas Jeff Pu reports 12GB.
Developing Hardware In-House
Following the development of its proprietary A-series and M-series processors, Apple could explore venturing into battery production. according To ET News. According to the report, Apple is presently working on a battery development initiative with intentions to incorporate this into products launched post-2025. Currently, their emphasis is primarily on the modem.
After working On a modem chip for quite some time , we finally had a chance to see Apple’s collaboration on the C1 modem for theiPhone 16e. This modem supports both sub-6GHz frequencies. C-band The 5G spectrum used does not include the faster mmWave option that will be available on the other iPhone 16 models. This restricts the 16e model’s top possible speed in locations where mmWave is accessible.
Apple currently uses Broadcom's Wi-Fi 7 According to Kuo, technology for the upcoming iPhone 16 models has been highlighted. He states, "Every new iPhone 17 model scheduled for release in the second half of 2025 will include Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi chips." The iPhone 17 Slim variant alone will be equipped with the C1 chip. This change aims at cutting expenses and improving communication among all Apple products, as noted by him. says .
In November, Jeff Pu likewise mentioned that Apple plans to incorporate a Wi-Fi 7 chip into the iPhone 17 Pro during the latter part of 2025, as reported by MacRumors. reports .
Another speculation regarding the hardware involves the possible addition of a vapor chamber cooling system, as reported by MacRumors. notes This technology minimizes thermal heating by distributing it over a greater surface area. The component has already been utilized in premium Android devices, and it might assist Apple in circumventing such issues. heating issues It encountered some Pro models previously.
Release and Pricing
Apple is expected to maintain its usual timing and release the iPhone 17 series during its typical September timeframe.
When it comes to pricing, The Wall Street Journal reports the iPhone 17 Air might cost less than the Pro variants. As per Gurman, this price could be approximately $900, the same as the current model. iPhone 16 Plus It’s speculated to take its place. Regarding the Pro versions, MacRumors anticipates Apple will keep their initial price at $999.
All these statements were made prior to President Trump's announcement. sweeping reciprocal tariffs that were scheduled to begin on April 9. Nonetheless, Trump paused those tariffs For stays of up to 90 days in most countries, with an exception for China where he raised it from 104% to 125%.
Trump wants Apple to produce iPhones in the USA , but this would entail significant costs and delays. Instead, Apple plans to obtain more iPhones from India (or at minimum channel them through the country), where they face a lower reciprocal duty rate of 26%. This approach arrived in five airplane batches of iPhones from China and India in late March to evade the tariffs. Any additional tariffs pose a risk. increasing the cost of the iPhone 17.
We will keep this area updated as additional rumors come through.