Apple is trying to remake the smartphone game – again. The iPhone 17 is about to be Apple’s most ambitious iPhone ever, with AI brains, a redesigned body, powerful chip set, and camera technology that may rival pro gear.
Here, we break down all we know so far: leaks, speculated features, release time, design speculation, AI upgrades, and much more. If you have an older iPhone or are considering whether or not to upgrade from the iPhone 16, this piece will provide you with the facts.
In 2025, Apple will launch four models of the iPhone, including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
An Apple iPhone 17 Quick Overview
iPhone 17 Feature | Rumored Upgrade |
Release Date | September 2025 |
Chipset | A19 Bionic (AI-focused) |
Camera | Periscope Zoom, Night Mode Boost |
Design | Slimmer, Titanium Build, USB-C |
Software | iOS 19 with On-Device AI |
Charging | Faster USB-C Charging + MagSafe Boost |
iPhone 17 – A Slightly Larger, Smarter Base Model
The iPhone 17 is expected to be a normal upgrade from its predecessor with a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, which rises from the regular 6.1 inches. The small size increase could make a notable difference in everyday use without interfering with pocketability. According to early leaks, this model won’t feature the wider camera bump that’s characteristic of more premium models, so it will be cleaner and more minimalist on the back. While it may not have all the high-end Pro features, it is likely to be equipped with the new A19 chip, featuring faster performance, increased battery life, and improved on-device AI with iOS 19.

- Due to its feature of a6.3-inch display, slightly larger than the 6.1-inch iPhone 15/16.
- It has no bigger camera hump, for a cleaner rear aesthetic.
- Powered by the A19 Bionic chip with core AI optimizations.
- Great for buyers who want the new Apple experience minus the Pro tag.
- Better battery life, a USB-C port, and support for new iOS 19 features.
Best for: Normal users, students, and upgraders from older iPhones.
iPhone 17 Air – Highly Thin and Redesigned (Rumored)
The iPhone 17 Air is reportedly Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet – another new player all about thin and minimalist design. There have been rumors that it will borrow the base model’s screen size of 6.3 inches, but in a much thinner and lighter form, perfect for those who highly value portability. One of the most intriguing design rumors suggests a new rectangular camera bar with smooth, rounded corners, offering a fresh and modern aesthetic. While it may be devoid of all Pro-tier features, the Air should be able to deliver high performance for those who work with light to heavy loads and value the form factor above mere power.

- Apple’s so-called “thinnest iPhone ever,” perhaps replacing the Plus model.
- Reported to have a new rectangular camera bar with soft, rounded edges.
- Ultra-thin and light, great for those who care most about design and comfort.
- May share the same 6.3″ screen as the regular iPhone 17.
- May ship with fewer Pro features to maintain affordability.
Best for: Design lovers, light users, and those who prefer thin Phone.
iPhone 17 Pro – Smart Design
The iPhone 17 Pro is apparently going to provide the best possible combination of looks and raw performance. Like the base models, it’s going to come with a 6.3-inch OLED display, but with ProMotion (120Hz) and slimmed-down bezels. Apple is rumored by some to introduce under-display Face ID to this model, closer to a genuinely seamless screen. Inside, the Pro is expected to use the A19 Bionic chip, designed for advanced AI capabilities and performance. It should also support a triple-camera system with upgraded Lidar, improved low-light images, and more intelligent image processing.

- Touted to have a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with ProMotion (120Hz).
- The first in line to potentially feature under-display Face ID, or a major upgrade to the Dynamic Island.
- Triple-camera configuration with enhanced Night Mode and Lidar upgrades.
- A19 Pro chip with extra RAM and upgraded neural engine for AI performance.
- Pro-level materials like titanium frame and minimized bezels.
Best for: Creators, gamers, and those needing improved.
iPhone 17 Pro Max – The Ultimate Flagship Experience
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, or maybe the iPhone 17 Ultra, is shaping up to be Apple’s most advanced iPhone to date. It’s said to boast a humongous 6.9-inch display with very thin bezels and maybe under-display Face ID. Maybe the most exciting camera feature could be a 10x periscope zoom lens, which would offer DSLR-quality telephoto ability. The Pro Max is also said to include faster USB-C charging up to 35W and might also have special AI features and greater integration with Apple Vision Pro. There are even whispers of a portless model in the works, but it’s not clear if that will launch in 2026.

- The largest and most powerful iPhone – likely 6.9 inches with ultra-thin bezels.
- Features a new periscope zoom lens (up to 10x optical zoom).
- Full AI suite, under-display Face ID, and possibly the first portless design (in testing).
- Max battery life, fastest charging speeds (35W USB-C), and exclusive camera modes.
- Built for users who want everything Apple has to offer.
Best for: Professional users, tech enthusiasts, mobile photographers.
iPhone 17 Series – Expected Pricing (2025)
Apple is likely to maintain its tiered pricing strategy in 2025, with small adjustments depending on storage and feature upgrades. Here’s what you can expect for the iPhone 17 lineup:
Model Starting Price (USD) Key Highlights iPhone 17 $799 – $849 6.3″ display, A19 chip, 24MP front camera, ProMotion display iPhone 17 Air $899 – $949 (rumored) Slim design, new camera bar, same 6.3″ display, ultra-thin build iPhone 17 Pro $1,099 – $1,149 6.3″ OLED ProMotion, A19 Pro, triple 48MP camera setup iPhone 17 Pro Max / Ultra $1,199 – $1,299+ 6.9″ display, 10x periscope zoom, 8K video, reverse wireless charging
Prices may vary depending on storage capacity (128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB), and final features confirmed at launch.
iPhone 17 Display – ProMotion Arrives on All Models
In a major 2025 shift, all iPhone 17 models will come with 120Hz ProMotion technology – a screen component previously exclusive to the Pro line. What that entails is smoother scrolling, quicker touch response, and overall smoother experience overall, whether you’re gaming, video-watching, or just plain ol’ app-swiping. With the availability of ProMotion on all iPhone 17 devices, Apple is finally closing the gap with regards to screen performance, and base and Air model users are no longer left behind.
Camera – Across-the-Board Big Megapixel Upgrade
iPhones 17 series will receive big camera upgrades, starting at the front. All models should feature a new 24MP front camera, twice the size of the existing 12MP front camera. This will provide sharper selfies, better video calling, and more flexibility when cropping or zooming into photos, without sacrificing quality.
For the Pro series, Apple is rumored to be in full force with three 48MP back cameras: the Telephoto lens, Wide, and Ultra Wide lenses. While the Ultra Wide and Wide were upgraded in recent models, the Telephoto lens is also rumored to be upgraded to 48MP, providing crisper zoom shots and improved portrait photography. One leak suggests Apple would slightly reduce the optical zoom to 3.5x from 5x, in favor of a more natural portrait focal length (around 85mm). With higher resolution, digital zoom would readily replicate 5x, similar to what Apple’s already doing with 2x cropping using the main sensor in non-Pro models.
There’s also grumbling about Pro-only video features, including 8K video recording and possibly dual video recording, allowing users to capture from front and back cameras simultaneously. This has the potential to be a big deal for content creators and vloggers. Another interesting rumor is a mechanical (variable) aperture on the Wide lens that lets users adjust depth of field and light intake manually, providing more creative flexibility than the current fixed aperture setup.
Performance – Powered by Next-Gen Apple Silicon
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 series will aim to jump leaps and bounds with the new A19 and A19 Pro chips that will introduce a speed boost, efficiency, and most importantly, on-device AI. Apple is reportedly doubling down on AI features in iOS 19, and that will mean faster Siri responses, smarter photography concepts, and more intelligent app experiences all running locally for privacy and performance.
Pro models could also include additional RAM (possibly 8GB or higher), which would enable smoother multitasking and pro workflows like 8K video editing or real-time rendering. Everyday tasks like gaming, app switching, and camera usage should be faster and more responsive across all models – especially with 120Hz ProMotion displays thrown in.
Battery & Charging – Small Changes, Big Impact
Battery life will probably improve incrementally across the range, but the iPhone 17 Pro will probably benefit most. It’s also said to be slightly thicker to fit a bigger battery, which might translate to extra screen time, especially for using the battery-sapping features of the likes of 8K video or dual-camera recording.
Another good change could come from within – Apple ought to recycle the new battery adhesive technology introduced on the iPhone 16 and make it easier to remove batteries through a low-voltage current. This could facilitate long-term repairability and reduce e-waste.
As far as charging goes, all iPhone 17 models ought to maintain 35W wired charging, the current maximum. However, Apple is rumored to be testing reverse wireless charging at 7.5W for the Pro models. If true, you’d be able to charge AirPods or an Apple Watch by placing them on the back of your iPhone — no cable needed. Right now, reverse charging only works over USB-C, so wireless support would be a welcome and futuristic upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – iPhone 17 Series
What is the release date of the Apple iPhone 17 series?
The iPhone 17 series is expected to be released in September 2025, following Apple’s usual release timeline. Official details will likely be announced during Apple’s fall event.
Will iPhone 17 be foldable?
No, there are no leaks or rumors about iPhone 17 being foldable.
Is there any chance of an upgrade in Apple’s intelligence?
Yes, there’s a high chance of an upgrade in Apple Intelligence with the iPhone 17 lineup, especially with the growing focus on AI and on-device processing across the tech industry.
Will the iPhone 17 series also have USB-C charging support?
Yes, Apple’s iPhone 17 series will also have USB-C charging support as per the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series.
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