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It’s important to note that as of now (late 2024), Apple has not officially unveiled the iPhone 17. The next expected launch is the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024.
However, based on Apple’s historical release patterns, supply chain reports (often from analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo or Mark Gurman), and early prototyping leaks, here is a comprehensive summary of everything we think we know so far about the iPhone 17, expected for release in September 2025.
This information is based on very early rumors and is highly subject to change.
iPhone 17: Expected Release, Models, and Key Features
Expected Announcement: September 2025
1. New, Simplified Model Lineup
One of the biggest rumors is a significant shift in the naming and structure of the lineup to reduce complexity:
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iPhone 17
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iPhone 17 Slim (or iPhone 17 Plus)
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iPhone 17 Pro
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
The key change is the potential replacement of the “Plus” model with a new high-end “Slim” model, which would feature a more premium design and price point, slotting between the standard and Pro models.
2. Major Design Overhaul
The iPhone 17 is widely expected to be the first major redesign since the iPhone 12’s flat edges.
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Thinner Body: All models, especially the rumored “Slim,” are expected to be significantly thinner.
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New Materials: Potential use of more advanced, lightweight materials like titanium for more than just the Pro models, or new aluminum composites.
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Rear Design Change: The camera layout on the base models is rumored to move from the current diagonal arrangement to a vertical pill-shaped array, making it look more like the iPhone X era but with modern tech.
3. Display Innovations
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Smaller Dynamic Island: The pill-and-hole cutout will shrink thanks to new, more compact hardware.
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120Hz ProMotion for All? There’s a strong chance Apple will finally bring its smoother 120Hz ProMotion display technology to the base iPhone 17 models, a feature currently reserved for Pro models.
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Under-Screen Face ID (Biggest Potential Change): Multiple reports suggest Apple is working to move the Face ID sensors under the display. For the iPhone 17, this could result in a single, small circular cutout for the front-facing camera only, creating a much more “all-screen” look.
4. Performance: The A19 Series Chip
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All iPhone 17 models will be powered by the next-generation A19 chip, built on an even more efficient manufacturing process (likely 2nm or enhanced 3nm).
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This will bring major gains in performance and, more importantly, power efficiency, leading to better battery life.
5. Camera Upgrades
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New Anti-Reflective Coating: A new coating is expected to drastically reduce lens flare and “lens ghosts” in photos, a common user complaint.
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48MP Ultra Wide Lens: The Pro models may upgrade the Ultra Wide camera to a 48MP sensor from the current 12MP, enabling higher detail and better zoom capabilities from that lens.
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Improved Computational Photography: Always-on computational photography features, building on the “Photonic Engine” and new AI-driven software.
6. AI and Siri
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The iPhone 17 will be the hardware centerpiece for Apple’s next phase of “Apple Intelligence.”
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Expect a vastly more powerful and integrated Siri capable of controlling apps and executing complex multi-step tasks across the device.
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These on-device AI features will require the neural engine in the A19 chip.
7. Other Rumored Features
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New Connectivity: Support for Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast wireless speeds.
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Action Button: The Action Button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to become standard across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.
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Cooling Systems: Some rumors suggest Pro models may get improved thermal management or even a small heat pipe to sustain performance during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Summary of Expected Models:
| Model | Expected Key Features |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | Major redesign, vertical camera layout, potential 120Hz display, A19 chip. |
| iPhone 17 Slim | New name, thinnest iPhone ever, premium positioning between standard and Pro. |
| iPhone 17 Pro | Under-display Face ID (single hole-punch), 48MP Ultra Wide camera, titanium design. |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Largest display, all Pro features, potentially a exclusive periscope telephoto upgrade. |
Important Disclaimer:
This is all based on very early rumors and speculation from the supply chain. Apple’s plans can and do change throughout the prototyping process. For confirmed details, we will need to wait for Apple’s official announcement in September 2025.
For now, all eyes are on the iPhone 16 lineup, which is expected to bring a new Capture button, an A18 chip across all models, and improved AI capabilities as a precursor to the iPhone 17’s major leap.
