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.

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Among the updates we’ve got is a newly developed adhesive technology designed to simplify battery replacement. This innovation wipes out the need for traditional tools such as heat guns and pry bars. 

While this advancement builds on the system introduced in the iPhone 16, it will be fully integrated across the iPhone 17 lineup, making battery removal more efficient and user-friendly.

The adhesive can be loosened by passing an electrical current through it, allowing the battery to be detached without damage. However, the glue is single-use, requiring a fresh strip for new battery installations. 

Apple’s approach seeks to improve device repairability in line with legislative pressures, particularly in regions such as the European Union, where laws now mandate easier repairs.

The new range will consist of four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a newly introduced iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the discontinued iPhone 17 Plus. 

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max | Specifications | Pricing | Availability

The Air model aims to be the lightest and thinnest in the series, being a premium device with a slim design that draws comparisons to Apple’s MacBook Air. 

Apple is reportedly planning to simplify the interior of the iPhone 17 Air, reducing the number of clips and screws to achieve its svelte form. 

This minimalistic approach is likely to appeal to those who value fashion and portability in their smartphones. The design is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, fitting neatly between the Pro and Pro Max models in terms of screen size.

In terms of technical advancements, all 2025 iPhones are anticipated to benefit from Apple’s ProMotion display technology, which offers a 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing scrolling and video playback. 

Added to this, the screens will include an anti-reflective layer designed to improve durability against scratches, surpassing the existing Ceramic Shield found in current models.

The new series is expected to see a camera difference, with a 24-megapixel front camera replacing the current 12-megapixel version. The Pro Max variant may also come with an upgraded 48-megapixel telephoto lens. 

There are also speculations that higher-end models like the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature Wi-Fi 7 and 12GB of RAM, while standard models will include Wi-Fi 6E and 8GB of RAM.

One of the most talked-about developments is Apple’s plan to debut its in-house 5G modem in the iPhone 17 Air, a well-thought-out move towards reducing reliance on Qualcomm’s technology. This is in line with Apple’s goal to bring more of its hardware components in-house.

So, more details about the iPhone 17’s performance and features are expected later on and we’d be here to keep you updated. However, these early insights already suggest that 2025 could be one of the most commendable updates to the iPhone’s design and capabilities in years.

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