iPhone 17: Apple hasn’t officially announced the iPhone 17 series yet, but rumors and leaks have so far provided a relatively detailed profile. With a fresh line set to debut and multiple internal improvements in the pipeline, the iPhones of this year may be more than mere incremental updates. One of the anticipated highlights is the all-new iPhone 17 Air, which may usher in a change to Apple’s design language.
A Four-Model Lineup with a New Twist
Similar to other years, Apple will release four phones: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to rumors, the iPhone 17 Air will substitute the Plus version, having a 6.5-inch screen and the thinnest iPhone frame at 5.4mm. The standard iPhone 17 will retain its 6.1-inch screen, while the Pro and Pro Max variants will have 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, with a fresh horizontal camera configuration.
Lastly, 120Hz Refresh Rate on Non-Pro Models
Unlike the past years, Apple will include 120Hz refresh rates on both the iPhone 17 and 17 Air, but may even leave variable refresh and always-on features to the Pro models. All devices are also speculated to come with a fresh anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coating tougher than even the Ceramic Shield.
Design Enhancements and Material Changes
Apple would reverse its switch away from aluminum for all models, including the Pro lineup, to the current iPhone 15 Pro titanium. The iPhone 17 Pro models will introduce a new horizontal camera bar, while the iPhone 17 and 17 Air will continue with more straightforward, compact modules, giving them a more streamlined look.
iPhone 17 Air’s Sleek Design Comes With Tradeoffs
The ultra-slim profile of the iPhone 17 Air could be achieved by sacrificing battery life. It’s speculated to include a 2,800mAh battery, which is significantly less than the 3,500mAh cell of the standard iPhone 17. Apple might make up for this with an even power-frugal A19 chip, iOS 26 optimizations, or even an updated battery case.
Performance Improvements and New Chips
The iPhone 17 and 17 Air will likely be using the A18 Pro chip from last year, while the Pro and Pro Max receive the new A19 Pro built around a 3nm process. The Pro models could also increase RAM to 12GB to enhance AI and Apple Intelligence tasks. All phones will come with Apple’s internal C1 modem.
Camera Improvements, Particularly for Pros
This year, the Pro models will potentially lower zoom from 5x to 3.5x but get a superior 48MP telephoto lens for regular use. All models will feature a 24MP front camera, and the Pro models may potentially introduce 8K video recording, a feature that has been missing from Apple’s catalog for some time.
Launch Timeline and Final Thoughts
Apple usually launches new iPhones around early September, taking pre-orders at that time and releasing the phones a week later. Assuming there is no production halt, the iPhone 17 series should be no different. Although not revolutionary, the iPhone 17 has sufficient new features to justify the wait, particularly for individuals on outdated devices or expecting a slimmer, lighter iPhone.
