With just weeks left until Apple’s expected September 2025 launch, the rumour mill surrounding the iPhone 17 series is spinning faster than ever. So, we bring to you everything reportedly coming.
Apple plans to change its usual four-model lineup. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain, but the Plus model is gone. In its place arrives the iPhone 17 Air.
A New Ultra-Thin Challenger
Dubbed the iPhone 17 Air, this model is thin and record-breaking. Reports claim it will be 5.5mm thick, not counting its camera bump, making it Apple’s slimmest phone so far.
The name ‘Air’ fits, and Apple is not aiming to bring competition among the Pro models’ performance. Instead, it’s being marketed on its sleekness and unique look. In short, this device could be Apple’s headline grabber of 2025.
Display Sizes Are Shifting
Apple isn’t content with just design changes. Display sizes across the range are increasing. The standard iPhone 17 will reportedly grow to a 6.27-inch display, matching last year’s iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 17 Air is tipped to feature a 6.6-inch screen, larger than the standard 17 but smaller than the Pro Max.
Camera Overhaul—For Some
While the base iPhone 17 sticks to a familiar dual-camera setup, the Air, Pro, and Pro Max will showcase a new rectangular, Pixel-style camera bar spanning the device’s rear. Expect the Pro models to retain a triangular lens arrangement within this bar.
The Pro models also bring real camera upgrades. A new 48MP telephoto lens joins the existing 48MP wide and ultra-wide cameras, the first time Apple has built its top-tier phones with a fully 48MP rear system. The Air gets a single-lens 48MP rear shooter, while the standard 17 model seems stuck with last year’s cameras.
Selfie cameras across the board are coming out great. All models are expected to feature an upgraded 24MP front-facing lens, doubling the resolution of the iPhone 16’s front camera.
ProMotion For Everyone
Again, Apple plans to roll out its ProMotion technology to all four models. Previously a Pro-exclusive, the 120Hz refresh rate will now feature across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This also opens the door to always-on displays beyond the Pro devices, although Apple hasn’t confirmed this yet.
Material Changes—and Not Where You Expect
While titanium has been the Pro standard since the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple may revert to aluminium for the Pro and Pro Max models this year. These devices are also rumoured to adopt a half-aluminium, half-glass back, likely a move to enhance durability without sacrificing wireless charging capabilities.
Interestingly, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will be the only model made with a titanium chassis.
Next-Level Connectivity
Pro models could debut Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip. This promises faster data speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. Standard models will likely stick with Qualcomm’s technology. However, Apple’s custom-designed 5G modem is expected to debut in the iPhone 17 Air, ditching Qualcomm chips entirely in that model.
Power, Performance, and Cooling
Processing power is another area of division. The Pro and Pro Max are said to be built with the A19 Pro chip, while the standard 17 and 17 Air models will use the standard A19. Both chips are built using TSMC’s improved 3nm technology, promising better efficiency and performance.
Another reported improvement: thermal management. Apple plans to integrate a vapour chamber cooling system into all iPhone 17 models, a technology Android manufacturers have used for years to prevent overheating and sustain performance.
Battery and Charging: Faster, But Not Groundbreaking
Expect moderations here. Wireless charging speeds are reportedly set to improve to 25W with third-party Qi 2.2 chargers. That’s a step up from the current 15W limit using third-party devices. Wired charging, however, is still capped at 35W.
Smaller Dynamic Island? Maybe.
Apple’s Dynamic Island feature could shrink this year, though sources are divided. Some say changes are coming across the lineup, while others claim Apple will hold off until the iPhone 18 series.
New Colours—and an Orange Surprise
The colour palette is expanding, particularly for the Pro models. Expect Black, Dark Blue, Silver, and an all-new Orange variant. Standard models and the iPhone 17 Air will feature their own exclusive colours, including Green, Purple, and Light Gold, alongside Black and White.
To sum up: the iPhone 17 series could be a big turning point. A thinner, sleeker Air model will replace the fading Plus, ProMotion, once a premium-only feature, becomes standard, camera upgrades lean heavily towards the Pro models, while the Air focuses on design and portability.
So, having seen all the rumours, now we wait.
