Apple’s next flagship smartphone line-up is generating significant buzz across the tech world. While the iPhone 16 series continue to impress consumers, anticipation is already building for what Apple has planned next. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve gathered all the credible leaks, rumours, and predictions about the iPhone 17 series expected to launch later this year.
Rumoured Design Changes
The iPhone 17 may introduce the most substantial design refresh since the iPhone 12 series. According to several supply chain sources, Apple is testing multiple prototypes with different approaches.
Chassis and Materials
Industry analysts suggest Apple is exploring new titanium alloys for the standard iPhone 17 models, previously reserved only for Pro models. This could result in devices that are simultaneously lighter and more durable.
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in March that Apple has been experimenting with a “ceramic shield back” that would replace the current glass design, potentially improving drop resistance by up to 50%.
Edge Design
While the flat-edge design has become Apple’s signature look in recent years, multiple leaks point to the iPhone 17 featuring slightly curved edges that blend more seamlessly into the back panel – creating what one leaker called a “continuous surface design.”
Face ID and Front Camera
Perhaps the most exciting design rumour concerns the front display. Multiple sources claim that at least the iPhone 17 Pro models will finally introduce under-display Face ID technology, significantly reducing the Dynamic Island size introduced with iPhone 14 Pro.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in February that Apple engineers have achieved a breakthrough in under-display camera technology, though it remains unclear if this will be ready for the iPhone 17 or reserved for future models.
Colour Options
Early supply chain reports suggest Apple is testing several new colour finishes:
- A new “Sunset Gold” colour is reportedly in development.
- The standard models may come in vibrant blue, pink, green, black, and white options.
- Pro models are rumoured to feature titanium finishes in graphite, silver, gold, and a new “deep blue” option.
Display Updates
Apple’s display technology continues to evolve with each generation, and the iPhone 17 is expected to bring several significant improvements across the lineup.
Size Changes
Multiple sources indicate Apple may standardize display sizes across models:
- iPhone 17: 6.1-inch display
- iPhone 17 Plus: 6.7-inch display
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display (slightly larger than current 6.1-inch)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max/Ultra: 6.9-inch display (slightly larger than current 6.7-inch)
ProMotion Technology
In a move that will please many Apple fans, the entire iPhone 17 lineup is rumoured to finally feature 120Hz ProMotion displays. This adaptive refresh rate technology has previously been limited to Pro models only.
Display Brightness and Efficiency
Display analyst Ross Young suggested in April that Apple will implement new OLED materials across all iPhone 17 models, potentially increasing peak brightness while reducing power consumption by up to 15%.
The always-on display feature is also expected to receive significant upgrades, with more customization options and reduced battery impact.
Processor & Performance
As with every new iPhone generation, the A-series chipset will see a substantial upgrade with the iPhone 17.
A19 Chip
The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature Apple’s A19 chip, built on TSMC’s enhanced 3nm process technology. Early benchmark leaks suggest performance improvements of:
- 15-20% faster CPU performance
- 25-30% improved GPU capabilities
- Significantly enhanced Neural Engine for AI tasks
RAM and Storage
Multiple sources indicate Apple will increase base RAM across all models:
- iPhone 17 and 17 Plus: 8GB RAM (up from 6GB)
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max/Ultra: 12GB RAM (up from 8GB)
Storage options are rumoured to start at 256GB for standard models and up to 2TB for Pro models.
Battery Improvements
According to supply chain reports, Apple is testing new stacked battery technology that could increase battery density by up to 10% without changing the physical dimensions. Combined with the more efficient A19 chip, users could see significantly improved battery life across all models.
Camera Upgrades
Camera capabilities remain a key differentiator for smartphone buyers, and Apple appears set to make substantial improvements to the iPhone 17’s camera system.
Sensor Improvements
The standard iPhone 17 models are rumoured to receive the 48MP main sensor that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro, while the Pro models may feature a new 1/1.14″ sensor developed in partnership with Sony.
Periscope Zoom
After introducing a periscope zoom lens to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, rumours suggest this technology will expand to both Pro models in the iPhone 17 lineup, offering 5x optical zoom capabilities.
Computational Photography
According to multiple sources, Apple is developing new AI-powered computational photography features exclusive to the iPhone 17:
- Advanced portrait lighting with environmental awareness
- “Smart HDR 6” with scene recognition capabilities
- Enhanced night mode with reduced exposure time
New “Cinema Pro” video recording mode
Software Features (iOS 19 Preview)
The iPhone 17 will launch with iOS 19, which is expected to be previewed at WWDC in June 2025.
AI Integration
Apple is reportedly planning a major AI push with iOS 19, potentially including:
- Expanded Siri capabilities with more natural conversations.
- On-device AI tools for content creation and editing
- Smart notification filtering and prioritization
- Contextual awareness across apps
UI Changes
Several leakers have suggested iOS 19 will feature a refreshed user interface with:
- More customization options for the home screen and lock screen
- New interactive widgets with expanded functionality
- Redesigned Control Centre with better organization
- System-wide dark mode improvements
Charging & Ports
Apple’s charging strategy continues to evolve with each iPhone generation.
USB-C Improvements
Following Apple’s switch to USB-C with the iPhone 15 series, the iPhone 17 is expected to feature enhanced USB 3.2 speeds across all models, not just the Pro versions.
MagSafe Advancements
Supply chain reports indicate Apple is developing a new “MagSafe Pro” charging system with:
- Faster 25W wireless charging (up from 15W)
- Stronger magnetic connection
- Support for reverse wireless charging to power AirPods and other accessories
Battery Technologies
Multiple sources suggest Apple is finally ready to introduce more substantial fast-charging improvements:
- 45W wired fast charging (up from 27W)
- New power management chips for better heat distribution during charging
Release Date & Pricing
Expected Timeline
Based on Apple’s established pattern, we anticipate:
- Official announcement: Early to mid-September 2025
- Pre-orders: Late September 2025
- Release date: Late September/Early October 2025
Price Speculation
While exact pricing hasn’t leaked, industry analysts predict:
- iPhone 17: Starting at $799
- iPhone 17 Plus: Starting at $899
- iPhone 17 Pro: Starting at $999
- iPhone 17 Pro Max/Ultra: Starting at $1,199
However, the enhanced materials and new technology could potentially lead to price increases across the lineup.
Model Lineup
Four-Model Strategy
Apple is expected to maintain its four-device strategy, but with potential renaming:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Plus
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Ultra (replacing Pro Max)
Multiple sources have reported that Apple is considering rebranding the largest Pro model as “Ultra” to better differentiate it from the smaller Pro model and justify exclusive features.
Feature Differentiation
The gap between standard and Pro models may narrow slightly, with many previously Pro-exclusive features like ProMotion displays trickling down to the entire lineup.
However, the Pro models will maintain their edge with:
- Advanced camera capabilities
- Titanium construction
- Higher RAM configurations
- Potentially exclusive AI features
What to Expect Next
The iPhone 17 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade across the board, with improvements to design, display, performance, cameras, and charging capabilities.
Most credible are the reports about display improvements and processor upgrades, as these follow Apple’s established pattern of advancement. The under-display Face ID technology remains more speculative, though multiple sources have independently verified Apple is working on this technology.
In the coming months, we expect more concrete information about:
- Final design decisions
- Camera specifications
- iOS 19 features
- Battery capacity details
