29 Sept 2025
The upcoming iPhone 17 series is set for an unveiling in less than three weeks, promising significant design and feature enhancements. Enthusiasts and critics alike are eager to discover Apple's long-awaited advancements across its new iPhone 17, Pro, Pro Max, and the highly anticipated, ultra-thin Air models.

Apple is set to introduce the iPhone 17 series in under three weeks, featuring four models: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new 'iPhone 17 Air'. This launch is anticipated to bring significant changes long awaited by consumers, with details revealed ahead of the official announcement.
The standard iPhone 17 is expected to undergo the fewest changes among the new models, yet it will feature new color options including light blue, light green, purple, black, white, and a potential space gray. Its dimensions are set to slightly increase to 6.3 inches, and it will likely include 12GB of RAM. The Dynamic Island will be smaller, and the device is rumored to use the A18 chip (not the Pro version), mirroring Apple's chip strategy from previous generations. A significant upgrade is the inclusion of a 120Hz ProMotion display, utilizing the panel from the iPhone 16 Pro, leading to thinner bezels. The base model will retain a dual-camera setup and is expected to use an aluminum frame instead of titanium.
The iPhone 17 Air is a completely new model, designed to be exceptionally thin, potentially measuring 5.4-5.5mm, making it thinner than the S25 Edge and the historically bend-prone iPhone 6. This extreme thinness raises durability concerns, despite a potential denser battery to mitigate bending risks. The device will be lighter than the S25 Edge at 145g but heavier than the iPhone 6. It will feature a 6.6-inch display, further increasing its bending susceptibility. The iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM-only, lacking a physical SIM slot due to space constraints, though a single physical SIM might be available in China. It will also feature only a mono speaker, with sound solely from the earpiece. The battery is projected to be around 2800mAh, potentially utilizing a 'Silicon Anode' technology. Despite its MagSafe capability, the absence of a physical SIM and bottom speaker, combined with its expected premium price (potentially starting at $1300, exceeding Pro Max), makes its first generation purchase questionable.
Across all iPhone 17 models, several universal improvements are anticipated. All devices will likely feature 12GB of RAM and a reduced Dynamic Island size. They are expected to incorporate Apple's self-designed modem chips, leading to a 17-24% improvement in efficiency. Furthermore, all selfie cameras will be upgraded to 24 megapixels, and a new 'Photo Focus' feature is expected to enhance photography capabilities across the board.
The Pro and Pro Max models will feature an anti-reflective display with enhanced scratch resistance, potentially eliminating the need for screen protectors. These models will boast a 'Ceramic Shield Ultra XDR' display, indicating superior durability. Apple's design philosophy for the Pro series is shifting towards making cases less necessary. A price increase of $50-$100 is expected, with the base Pro model potentially upgrading from 128GB to 256GB storage for a $50 premium. These devices will likely house a new A19 Pro chip, and all three rear cameras, including the telephoto lens, will be upgraded to 48 megapixels. A groundbreaking feature might allow simultaneous recording from both front and rear cameras, and a mechanically variable aperture, similar to high-end cameras, could be introduced. The Pro Max battery is expected to increase to 5000mAh, also with 12GB of RAM. The design will see a controversial shift from titanium to aluminum frames, with Apple asserting improved impact resistance. The rear camera module will integrate flash, LiDAR, and microphone vertically, with a glass section for wireless charging on an otherwise aluminum back. New color options include dark blue, orange, and a unique 'Liquid Glass' finish that changes appearance with viewing angles.
Exclusive software features for the new iPhones are generally tied to hardware advancements, such as boosts within the camera app for a mechanical aperture. There is a strong possibility of Apple introducing a dedicated 'Pro Camera' application to cater to professional photographers. This initiative aims to provide a more advanced and professional experience, capitalizing on the already excellent camera hardware, as the current iOS camera app has become too minimal for advanced users. Notably, professional films like '28 Years Later' have been shot on previous iPhone Pro Max models, albeit with extensive external gear.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in the second week of September, likely on a Monday or Tuesday, around the 9th, 10th, or 11th. There is speculation that Apple might introduce foldable devices in September, potentially shifting the launch timeline for traditional 'slab' phones to winter or spring. While a foldable phone's practicality is debated, the concept of a foldable tablet is considered more appealing for portability and utility.
Base iPhone 17 models are finally expected to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, a long-awaited upgrade for standard users.
| Feature Category | Key Insight | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (Base) Display | 120Hz ProMotion Display | First time for base models; utilizes iPhone 16 Pro panel, leading to thinner bezels and larger 6.3-inch screen. |
| iPhone 17 Air Design | Ultra-Thin Profile | Thinner than iPhone 6 (5.4-5.5mm), raising significant durability and bending concerns for its 6.6-inch display. |
| iPhone 17 Air Connectivity | eSIM-Only | Exclusively relies on eSIM due to space constraints, lacking a physical SIM slot (except potentially in China). |
| iPhone 17 Air Audio | Mono Speaker Output | Absence of a bottom speaker; audio will be mono, originating solely from the earpiece. |
| iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max Cameras | All 48MP Lenses | All three rear cameras, including the telephoto, will be upgraded to 48 megapixels. |
| iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max Display Durability | Anti-Reflective & Scratch Resistant | Enhanced Ceramic Shield Ultra XDR display aims to reduce reflections and increase scratch resistance, potentially negating screen protectors. |
| iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max Camera Innovation | Mechanically Variable Aperture | Introduction of a motorized, adjustable aperture for lenses, adding moving parts and advanced photographic control. |
| All iPhone 17 Performance | Apple-Designed Modem Chip | Integration of Apple's own modem chips is expected to yield 17-24% improvement in power efficiency. |
| All iPhone 17 Design | Smaller Dynamic Island | The Dynamic Island is expected to be physically reduced in size across all new iPhone 17 models. |
| All iPhone 17 Base RAM | 12GB RAM Standard | All models, including the standard and Air versions, are likely to come with 12GB of RAM. |
