iPhone 17 series: Release date, rumors, features, A19, price, and Slim model
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to include enhanced display technology across all models. Reports indicate that each version will feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, offering a more fluid visual experience. Below are the details of the anticipated iPhone 17 lineup.
With the iPhone 16 now available, rumors focus on the upcoming iPhone 17. This model is expected to be released in the second half of 2025.
One of the highlights of this generation could be an iPhone Slim, as it seems Apple will no longer bet on a Plus model. Apple executives are calling upcoming new models their “most ambitious” iPhones ever. Here’s what we know about this future phone so far.
Release date of the iPhone 17 series
The iPhone 17 series is rumored to be announced in September 2025, maintaining Apple’s annual fall release pattern.
This is the first time Cupertino began a new production introduction of an iPhone outside China.
In this early manufacturing phase, Apple needs to tweak the iPhone design and experiment with new materials and equipment to ensure that “millions of iPhones can be produced a day across different locations with minimal defects.” This phase will last until early next year.
Apple is already making iPhone 17 Air models in China as they entered the new product introduction phase. The NPI phase is responsible for bringing this iPhone’s concept to life with design validation and prototype testing.
iPhone 17 Slim/Air: Underpowered and overpriced?
Since Apple introduced the iPhone 12 mini, it has struggled to find a market for the unique variations of its regular iPhone models.
The company has seen low sales of the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone 15 Plus. While we need to know how the iPhone 16 Plus will sell, Cupertino might be planning a different approach for the iPhone 17.
Rumors so far have hinted at a premium version of the non-Pro iPhone 17. While all models are expected to maintain the same price point, this iPhone 17 Slim would cost around $1,299—the most expensive iPhone to date. Despite its ultra-thin form factor, it would have the A19 chip, 8 GB of RAM, two main cameras, and ProMotion technology.
How Apple will maintain a good battery life with an ultra-thin form factor is still unknown. However, the company might learn from Huawei’s latest triple-fold phone. It’s important to say Samsung will likely make competition hard for this rumored Apple phone.
Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Pro models would have 12GB of RAM, the A19 Pro chip with TSMC’s new N3P manufacturing process, and three 48MP main cameras.
If that’s the case, how could Apple charge more for an iPhone that’s actually worse than its Pro lineup? Apparently, it’s because the company is planning a new form factor with an ultrathin design.
Details of iPhone 17 Models
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iPhone 17
- Display: 6.3-inch OLED
- Frame: Aluminum
- Processor: Apple A19 chip
- Camera: Dual rear cameras and 24MP front camera
- RAM: 8GB
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iPhone 17 Air
- Display: 6.6-inch OLED
- Frame: Aluminum
- Processor: Apple A19 chip
- Camera: Single rear camera and 24MP front camera
- RAM: 8GB
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iPhone 17 Pro
- Display: 6.3-inch OLED
- Frame: Titanium
- Processor: Apple A19 Pro chip
- Camera: Triple rear cameras and 24MP front camera
- RAM: 12GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Display: 6.9-inch OLED
- Frame: Titanium
- Processor: Apple A19 Pro chip
- Camera: Triple rear cameras and 24MP front camera
- RAM: 12GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7
Price
Here’s a rough idea of the prices in USD:
- iPhone 17: Around $930 (similar to previous models).
- iPhone 17 Pro: Estimated at $1395 (slight price increase).
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Likely starting at $1690 due to premium features.
- iPhone 17 Air: Priced around $1046.
Specifications
The iPhone 17 series will likely feature OLED displays with sizes ranging from 6.3 inches for the Pro model to 6.9 inches for the Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Air could have a 6.6-inch display and be as thin as 5.5mm. All models are expected to support a 120Hz refresh rate.
For performance, the iPhone 17 and Air models will run on the A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max will be powered by the upgraded A19 Pro, ensuring superior performance and efficiency.
Expect 8GB of RAM for the standard models and 12GB for the Pro variants, helping with multitasking.
Shared Display Features
Each model in the iPhone 17 series is expected to have the following display characteristics:
- 120Hz ProMotion Display: All models will feature ProMotion displays with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and enhanced video playback.
- LTPO Display Panels: Samsung and LG are reportedly the main suppliers of LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) displays, enabling advanced refresh rate capabilities.
Camera Features
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely come with a triple 48MP camera setup, including a telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. All models may feature improved 24MP front cameras.
Rumors also suggest a new Dynamic Island design and mechanical camera apertures to enhance photography.
Design
The iPhone 17 could introduce a new horizontal camera module, setting it apart from Apple’s traditional design. The rear panel might feature a combination of aluminium and glass for a more modern look.
iPhone 17 Pro Is Set to Redefine Its Look For First Time in 3 Years
If rumors are to be believed, Apple is preparing a significant design overhaul for the iPhone 17 Pro, marking the first major shift since the iPhone 14 Pro introduced the Dynamic Island.
Fresh leaks now suggest that both the back and front of the device will see transformative changes, giving fans plenty to speculate about.
A New Camera Design: Goodbye “Stove,” Hello “Visor”
Apple appears ready to ditch the infamous “stove” camera design—those square modules with protruding lenses—that has been a staple of recent iPhones.
Instead, the iPhone 17 Pro may adopt a horizontal “visor” layout, similar to Google’s Pixel series, which houses the sensors in a sleek, unified strip on the back.
A Slimmer Dynamic Island on the Front
On the front, Apple isn’t done refining its Dynamic Island, first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. This floating “pill” hosts front-facing sensors and integrates with software to display interactive notifications.
According to a report from Chinese publication My Drivers, the pill is expected to shrink further, accompanied by even thinner display bezels.
However, Apple isn’t quite ready to embed Face ID sensors under the screen just yet—a milestone expected to arrive no earlier than 2027.
Innovations Behind the Scenes: The “Metalens” Revolution
One of the standout features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be the adoption of Metalens technology, a groundbreaking approach to optics.
Unlike traditional curved lenses, metal uses nanostructures to manipulate light, resulting in flat lenses. This not only saves internal space but also paves the way for thinner devices. For now, this technology will reportedly be exclusive to the Pro Max model, with the other three models sticking to the current lens setup.
Timeline and Speculation
It’s still early days for leaks and rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro, with most detailed information likely surfacing in 2025, ahead of Apple’s traditional September launch. If the rumors are accurate, this could be one of the most exciting redesigns in years, setting the stage for Apple’s future innovations.
Stay tuned—this could be the iPhone generation that defines a new era for Apple’s flagship!
In summary, the iPhone 17 series promises to be a major upgrade with improved specs, innovative features, and a fresh design. Keep an eye out for the September 2025 launch.
