iPhone 17 Pro spotted in public for the first time, shows off rumored horizontal camera bar
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
iPhone 17 Pro — all the rumors and leaks so far
The iPhone 17 Pro could be in for a major design change, at least when it comes to the backside of the phone. Apple typically announces its new phones in September, usually in the first half of the month. A potential release date is easy to predict, given Apple’s track record with its annual flagship rollouts. The status of tariffs are up in the air as of this writing, so it’s impossible to predict what impact they might have on phone prices this fall. The Wall Street Journal says that Apple is mulling over a price hike on the iPhone 17 models, though it’s unclear if that means every model or just specific phones like the 17 Pro. The phone is expected to launch between September 8 and 12, which fits with Mark Gurman’s prediction of a launch date of September 8 or 9. It is possible that the iPhone17 Pro’s price could inch upward from the $999 that Apple charges for the iPhone 16 Pro, particularly if the company wants to sell the phone for less than $1,000.
Apple has devoted a lot of attention to its Pro model in recent years, in the hopes of convincing phone buyers to look past the entry-level iPhone and pay more for a premium device. That figures to continue this year.
After all, just look at the changes Apple introduced last fall with the iPhone 16 Pro. That model received a bigger screen, upgraded cameras and longer battery life thanks to a larger battery and more power efficient processor, among other enhancements. That’s a lot of improvements to make on just one model.
So how does Apple follow up on that with the iPhone 17 Pro? Based on the rumors that have emerged several months ahead of the phone’s likely launch, several other notable changes are in the works for this year’s model.
This could include a new design, upgraded telephoto and selfie cameras, a more powerful A19 Pro chip and a revamped iOS 19 interface.
Here’s what we know so far about the iPhone 17 Pro.
iPhone 17 Pro cheat sheet
A new design with a rectangular camera array
Aluminum frames possibly replacing titanium
A19 Pro chip built on a next-gen 3nm process
Vapor chamber cooling to combat overheating
12GB of RAM instead of 8GB
A 48MP telephoto lens with a 3.5x optical zoom, replacing the 12MP zoom lens with 5x zoom
An upgraded 24MP front camera
iOS 26 software featuring a massive redesign
CAD renders claiming to show off the iPhone 17 lineup — the iPhone 17 Pro is on the far right (Image credit: Majin Bu on X)
A potential release date for the iPhone 17 Pro is easy to predict, given Apple’s track record with its annual flagship rollouts. Apple typically announces its new phones in September, usually in the first half of the month. Mark Gurman predicts a launch between September 8 and 12, which fits with this pattern.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Pricing is a lot harder to forecast, and not just because we remain many months away from a potential iPhone 17 Pro launch. The Trump administration is looking to impose tariffs on other countries, with a particular focus on China where a lot of iPhone parts are sourced and a lot of phone assembly takes place.
The status of tariffs are up in the air as of this writing, so it’s impossible to predict what impact they might have on phone prices this fall. With Donald Trump specifically threatening to impose a tariff on Apple unless it moves phone manufacturing to the U.S. though, it’s not looking encouraging. At any rate, the Wall Street Journal says that Apple is mulling over a price hike on the iPhone 17 models.
Even before the tariff talk emerged, one leaker claimed the iPhone 17 lineup would see its first price hike in a while, though it’s unclear if that leaker meant every model or specific phones like the iPhone 17 Pro.
Though that rumor is thinly sourced, it is possible that the iPhone 17 Pro’s price could inch upward from the $999 that Apple charges for the iPhone 16 Pro, particularly if the company wants to sell the iPhone 17 Air for less than $1,000.
Expect more clarity on iPhone 17 Pro pricing to emerge the closer we get to the fall.
iPhone 17 Pro design and display
(Image credit: Apple/ Tom’s Guide)
The iPhone 17 Pro could be in for a major design change, at least when it comes to the backside of the phone.
On the iPhone 16 Pro, the rear cameras are housed in a square camera array in the left upper corner of the phone. However, leaked CAD designs have suggested that Apple is extending that array across the length of the iPhone 17 Pro.
The lenses would still be arranged in a triangular pattern in the left corner, but other sensors would appear on the opposite end of the phone. The proposed look is similar to what Google offers with the horizontal camera bar on its Pixel 9 flagships, though renders depict a thicker camera bar on Apple’s phone.
(Image credit: Majin Bu/X)
Leaked cases for the iPhone 17 Pro feature a cutout for the elongated camera array. And additional case leaks have hinted that case makers are working on customized camera covers that take advantage of the expanded space between the lenses and the sensors in the revamped camera array.
We’ve also seen these designs appear in dummy form, such as from AppleTrack, which match these earlier leaks and show how everything looks in 3D.
(Image credit: AppleTrack)
Note that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has dismissed rumors that Apple would adopt a two-color tone for the array and the back of the phone, saying instead that the array is likely to be the same color.
As for other potential design changes, analyst Jeff Pu initally claimed that the Dynamic Island would be smaller on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but now he’s amended that to cover all iPhone models including the iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple currently uses titanium frames in its Pro models, and there’s been some talk that the iPhone 17 Pro would swap in aluminum instead. However, other leaked claims say that Apple will stick with titanium going forward.
Apple’s logo may be moving slightly southwards on the new Pro iPhones, according to a new claim. This may impact how the MagSafe magnets are positioned beneath the back surface of the phone, but otherwise should only help the phone look more even alongside the new camera block.
While the iPhone 16 Pro introduced a larger display — it grew to 6.3 inches compared to the 6.1-inch panel on its predecessor — the iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t figure to make any such change to its screen. In fact, it’s the iPhone 17 that could get a larger display, matching the 6.3-inch size of the Pro model.
One leaker had suggested that Apple will turn to “Low-Dielectric TEE” technology for the iPhone 17 Pro display to improve power efficiency and make the screen more durable. But a more recent report has indicated that Apple won’t add that new anti-scratch, anti-glare display on either iPhone 17 Pro model.
iPhone 17 Pro color rumors have been sparse up until now, but an initial claim from leaker Maijin Bu touts a sky blue color option for the Pro that would replicate the color available for the MacBook Air M4.
iPhone 17 Pro cameras
(Image credit: @kdctweets on X)
After the iPhone 16 Pro introduced a 48MP ultrawide lens alongside a faster 48MP main Fusion camera, there’s only one lens left to upgrade on the iPhone 17 Pro. And rumors suggest the telephoto camera could get a resolution boost, though it may come with a caveat.
Rumors tip the iPhone 17 Pro to feature a 48MP zoom lens, giving the phone a trio of 48MP rear camera sensors across the board. However, that improvement could come at the expense of zoom capabilities, as a report claims the new lens would support a 3.5x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 5x zoom.
The front camera could be due for an upgrade, though that change will reportedly happen for every iPhone 17 model. The TrueDepth camera on this year’s iPhones could use a 24MP sensor instead of the 12MP shooter Apple’s relied on for years.
New camera features typically don’t leak out until just before a phone’s launch, but Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser says the iPhone 17 Pro models will gain dual video capture capabilities.
That means you’ll be able to record video from both the front and back cameras. The feature could be particularly useful on FaceTime calls, where you can record yourself with the front camera while use a rear camera to show what you’re looking at to anyone on the other end of the video call.
iPhone 17 Pro performance and battery life
(Image credit: Majin Bu)
For the iPhone 17 Pro, we expect an A19 Pro system-on-chip to power the phone. If Apple takes the same approach it did with the A18 silicon, that would mean an extra graphic core for the Pro version of the A19 chips.
Initial rumors suggested that the A19 silicon would be built on a 2nm process, which would mean more densely packed transistors resulting in better performance and power efficiency. Lately, though, rumors have said that Apple’s chip-building partner will use a new generation of its 3nm process, which should deliver some improvements over the A18 Pro silicon in the current Pro models. Reports now suggest the iPhone 18 Pro models will be the first iPhones to get 2nm chipsets.
Apple includes 8GB of RAM on its current iPhones. Analyst Jeff Pu has raised the possibility of the iPhone 17 Pro models adding more memory to reach 12GB. Such a move would help with Apple’s push to add more on-device artificial intelligence.
To help keep its phones from overheating, Apple is said to be working on a vapor cooling chamber, which would replace the standard heatsinks found in Apple’s current phones. A photo showing off that vapor chamber has surfaced, adding to the speculation that this feature will come to pass. It looks like only the Pro models will offer vapor cooling.
The larger iPhone 16 Pro design allowed Apple to use a larger 3,582 mAh battery in that phone. It’s unclear if Apple will have any room to increase battery size again for the iPhone 17 Pro or simply rely on better power efficiency to extend the battery life of its new phone.
One thing that could change on the power front would be a boost to the iPhone 17 Pro’s charging speeds from the 20W maximum that Apple’s phones have been stuck at for years.
A research note from February claims charging speeds on the iPhone 17 lineup could increase to 35W. That’s still a far cry from what phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra offer with their 45W wired charging speeds, but it’s still a definite improvement.
Meanwhile regulatory filings indicate a Qi2 wireless charging upgrade bringing faster speeds could be in place for the iPhone 17 lineup to benefit from.
iPhone 17 Pro software
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple has taken the wraps off iOS 26, previewing the software during its WWDC 2025 event. This software will almost certainly appear on the iPhone 17 Pro when the phone ships, and it delivers a new Liquid Glass design that takes its cues from Apple’s visionOS software.
In addition to the new look, there are the usual round of updates to existing apps, along with the addition of a new Games app that organizes all your mobile gaming activity in one place.
Apple Intelligence features aren’t getting the kind of hype they did a year ago, but Apple is adding to the suite of AI tools on its phones. You’ll get live translation tools for phone calls, FaceTime sessions and text messaging, and Apple is adding call screening features as well. Visual Intelligence will now be able to look up information that’s captured on your iPhone screen, too.
iPhone 17 Pro outlook
If the early iPhone 17 Pro rumors pan out, it doesn’t sound like Apple is going to stop lavishing attention on its Pro models. Potential camera improvements and a new design lead the changes we’ve heard about so far, and other potential improvements could emerge in the months between now and the launch of the new Apple phones.
All eyes figure to be on the iPhone 17 Pro’s price and what impact tariffs may have on the cost of upgrading your phone in the fall. Unfortunately, that picture doesn’t look like it’s going to become clearer any time soon.
Is Apple working on a 200MP iPhone camera?
Apple could be working on an iPhone with a 200MP camera – a major leap for the tech giant. The iPhone 19 – or possibly a special anniversary edition, much like the iPhone X for the 10th birthday – could be the model to finally feature a200MP camera. Apple’s most recent release, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, only features two 45MP cameras (out of four) – what’s coming next? The world’s first 200MP smartphone camera debuted in August 2022 with the Motorola X30 Pro (later released globally as the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra). Following that, brands like Samsung and Xiaomi jumped on board with their 200MP models, including the Galaxy S24 and S25.
A new wave of rumors is buzzing online: Apple could be working on an iPhone with a 200MP camera – a major leap for the tech giant, and it has got people pretty excited.
While some may roll their eyes at yet another rumor without solid confirmation, this one signals that Apple might finally step up in the smartphone camera game – something we have been waiting for. It feels like ages since we’ve seen any major camera upgrades in iPhones.
The latest speculations about the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro sparked some hopes: Apple is ditching earlier rumors of a horizontal camera bar (similar to the Google Pixel 9 Pro design). Instead, it might upgrade the iPhone 16 Pro’s 12MP telephoto to a 48MP module with 10x hybrid zoom and a larger sensor. This all requires space, so the iPhone 17 Pro probably features a bigger, triple-lens camera island. If Apple follow its usual annual calendar for updates, the iPhone 17 Pro would be officially announced in September.
And now, the possibility of a 200MP camera is entering the conversation. Exciting.
An insider known as Digital Chat Station on Weibo has spilled some tea about Apple’s design plans. Sadly, this information makes the rumor look unlikely to become a reality for the upcoming iPhone 17 line, as Apple is working on camera improvements years ahead.
But 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, and that could be the perfect moment for Apple to deliver a major camera overhaul. The iPhone 19 – or possibly a special anniversary edition, much like the iPhone X for the 10th birthday – could be the model to finally feature a 200MP camera.
And it’s about time! To put things into perspective: the world’s first 200MP smartphone camera debuted in August 2022 with the Motorola X30 Pro (later released globally as the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra). Following that, brands like Samsung and Xiaomi jumped on board with their 200MP models, including the Galaxy S24 and S25, or the Xiaomi Red Note 13+.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Meanwhile, Apple’s most recent release – the iPhone 16 Pro Max (launched in September 2024) – still only features two 45MP cameras (out of the four cameras it has in total).
That’s the scoop for now.
Saying that, there are some rumors around the iPhone 17 Pro, hinting not just at better camera quality but possibly an all-screen design, as Apple could be working on putting Face ID in an under-display camera… But this news kind of lost its spark compared to the 200MP camera rumor.
You might like…
If you are into smart photography, check out our guide to the best camera phones – and if you’re an Apple diehard, take a look at the best iPhone for photography. We also have a guide to the best iPhone power bank to keep you shooting longer.
Ranked: The Best Features Rumored for the iPhone 17 Lineup
The iPhone 17 Air is 2025’s most exciting iPhone rumor, because it’s the first real redesign that we’ve seen to the iPhone in years. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to come in an orange-like shade. There have been rumors that all four iPhone 17 models will support 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates this year. The standard iPhone 17 will be 6.3 inches, so it’ll match the size of the iPhone 17 Pro’s 6.2 inches. The ’iPhone 17 Air’ is supposed to get an upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lens for improved zoomed-in shots. It’s still a 3-nanometer chip, but it’ll be faster and more efficient and it’ll be faster than the iPhone Pro. It could get an A19 chip, while the 17 Pro and 17 Air could get A19 chips. It’ will have the biggest battery of any iPhone to date with a capacity of ~5,000mAh.
Top Tier
Ultra Thin iPhone 17 Air – The iPhone 17 Air is 2025’s most exciting iPhone rumor, because it’s the first real redesign that we’ve seen to the iPhone in years. We got to try Samsung’s competing super thin Galaxy S25 Edge, and it’s nice holding such a lightweight smartphone.
– The iPhone 17 Air is 2025’s most exciting iPhone rumor, because it’s the first real redesign that we’ve seen to the iPhone in years. We got to try Samsung’s competing super thin Galaxy S25 Edge, and it’s nice holding such a lightweight smartphone. That Orange Color – The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to come in an orange-like shade. It’s probably going to be more muted than we’ve seen and copper in tone, but it’s still a cool color we haven’t seen before.
– The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to come in an orange-like shade. It’s probably going to be more muted than we’ve seen and copper in tone, but it’s still a cool color we haven’t seen before. 24-Megapixel Selfie Camera – Better selfies and FaceTime video quality? Nothing to complain about there. The 24-megapixel camera is rumored for all iPhone 17 models.
– Better selfies and FaceTime video quality? Nothing to complain about there. The 24-megapixel camera is rumored for all iPhone 17 models. More RAM – The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air models are expected to have 12GB RAM, up from 8GB. More RAM is always a plus for games and future AI features.
– The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air models are expected to have 12GB RAM, up from 8GB. More RAM is always a plus for games and future AI features. iPhone 17 Pro Battery Life – According to rumors, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have the biggest battery of any iPhone to date with a capacity of ~5,000mAh, so it should last even longer than the 33 hour maximum of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Pretty Awesome
iPhone 17 Colors – The standard iPhone 17 is supposed to come in green and purple, two colors that we haven’t seen for a while.
– The standard iPhone 17 is supposed to come in green and purple, two colors that we haven’t seen for a while. Bigger iPhone 17 – The standard iPhone 17 will be 6.3 inches, so it’ll match the size of the iPhone 17 Pro.
– The standard iPhone 17 will be 6.3 inches, so it’ll match the size of the iPhone 17 Pro. ProMotion – There have been rumors that all four iPhone 17 models will support 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates this year. If that happens, it’s one less thing distinguishing the Pro models, but a plus for buyers who get the standard model.
– There have been rumors that all four iPhone 17 models will support 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates this year. If that happens, it’s one less thing distinguishing the Pro models, but a plus for buyers who get the standard model. Two-Tone Pro Design – The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have a two-material design with more metal and less glass at the back. Anything that makes the iPhone harder to break is a plus.
– The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have a two-material design with more metal and less glass at the back. Anything that makes the iPhone harder to break is a plus. 48-Megapixel Telephoto – The iPhone 17 Pro is supposed to get an upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lens for improved zoomed-in shots.
– The iPhone 17 Pro is supposed to get an upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lens for improved zoomed-in shots. A19 Chip – The iPhone 17 and 17 Air could get an A19 chip, while the 17 Pro models get an A19 Pro. It’s still a 3-nanometer chip, but it’ll be faster and more efficient.
– The iPhone 17 and 17 Air could get an A19 chip, while the 17 Pro models get an A19 Pro. It’s still a 3-nanometer chip, but it’ll be faster and more efficient. Improved Cooling – The iPhone 17 models are supposed to feature better heat dissipation, which will let the A19 chips run faster with less thermal throttling.
– The iPhone 17 models are supposed to feature better heat dissipation, which will let the A19 chips run faster with less thermal throttling. Better Display Coating – The iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro could have an anti-reflective display that’s more scratch resistant. Anything that improves durability is a plus.
So-So
The Camera Bar – The iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Air are both rumored to have a horizontal camera bar that goes all the way across the back of the iPhone. Apple’s version will surely look better in real life than in renders and dummy models, but who really wants a bigger camera bump?
– The iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Air are both rumored to have a horizontal camera bar that goes all the way across the back of the iPhone. Apple’s version will surely look better in real life than in renders and dummy models, but who really wants a bigger camera bump? Titanium to Aluminum – Apple is apparently going to drop titanium for aluminum for the 17 Pro models. Aluminum is lighter than titanium, but it feels like a step backward in quality.
– Apple is apparently going to drop titanium for aluminum for the 17 Pro models. Aluminum is lighter than titanium, but it feels like a step backward in quality. iPhone 17 Air C1 Modem – The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro will get Qualcomm modems, but the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have Apple’s C1 modem. It doesn’t support the fastest mmWave 5G speeds.
– The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro will get Qualcomm modems, but the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have Apple’s C1 modem. It doesn’t support the fastest mmWave 5G speeds. Relocated Apple Logo – With the larger camera bar, the two-material design, and some rumored MagSafe changes, the iPhone 17 Pro models may have an Apple logo that’s lower on the device. In mockups, it’s included in the design of the MagSafe ring, and it looks odd.
– With the larger camera bar, the two-material design, and some rumored MagSafe changes, the iPhone 17 Pro models may have an Apple logo that’s lower on the device. In mockups, it’s included in the design of the MagSafe ring, and it looks odd. Apple Wi-Fi 7 Chip – Apple’s using its own Wi-Fi 7 chip in all four iPhone 17 models. This may bring battery life improvements, but it’s mostly an under-the-hood change that lets Apple cut out external suppliers.
– Apple’s using its own Wi-Fi 7 chip in all four iPhone 17 models. This may bring battery life improvements, but it’s mostly an under-the-hood change that lets Apple cut out external suppliers. Mechanical Aperture – iPhone 17 Pro models could have a mechanical aperture that will let users adjust the amount of light reaching the lens. It’s useful for depth of field in DSLRs, but the utility in a smartphone remains to be seen, especially because Apple already has software-based tools for adjusting depth of field.
– iPhone 17 Pro models could have a mechanical aperture that will let users adjust the amount of light reaching the lens. It’s useful for depth of field in DSLRs, but the utility in a smartphone remains to be seen, especially because Apple already has software-based tools for adjusting depth of field. 8K Video Recording – 8K video recording could be available on the iPhone 17 Pro. That’s a cool feature, but there are a limited number of people who need to record in 8K. It’s also going to take up a ton of space, and will probably require filming with an external SSD.
Lame
Price Increases – Base iPhone pricing might go up due to tariffs. Apple’s facing high prices in China, and several other countries where it manufactures iPhones. Price hikes aren’t a sure thing, but probable.
– Base iPhone pricing might go up due to tariffs. Apple’s facing high prices in China, and several other countries where it manufactures iPhones. Price hikes aren’t a sure thing, but probable. iPhone 17 Air Color – The iPhone 17 Air will supposedly come in black, white, light blue, and light gold, with that blue being similar to the super light M4 MacBook Air blue. Needless to say, these are boring choices.
– The iPhone 17 Air will supposedly come in black, white, light blue, and light gold, with that blue being similar to the super light M4 MacBook Air blue. Needless to say, these are boring choices. Single-Lens iPhone 17 Air Camera – Due to space constraints, the iPhone 17 Air is only getting a single-lens camera. It won’t have the Ultra Wide lens for macro images or wider-angle shots, which limits versatility.
– Due to space constraints, the iPhone 17 Air is only getting a single-lens camera. It won’t have the Ultra Wide lens for macro images or wider-angle shots, which limits versatility. iPhone 17 Air Battery Life – With a super thin chassis, the iPhone 17 Air needs a smaller battery. Apple is making optimizations, but it won’t be on par with the 17 and 17 Pro.
– With a super thin chassis, the iPhone 17 Air needs a smaller battery. Apple is making optimizations, but it won’t be on par with the 17 and 17 Pro. iPhone 17 RAM – Right now, rumors suggest the standard iPhone 17 is only going to have 8GB RAM, while the other models get 12GB. With AI evolving so rapidly, it’s less than ideal to handicap one of the 2025 smartphones.
Do you agree with our rankings? Let us know what you’re most looking forward to in the comments below. For more rumors, check out our iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro roundups, which we update regularly.
iPhone 17: price predictions, spec rumours and all the features we expect to see
The iPhone 17 range is rumoured to launch in September 2025. It will have four models: the standard, Pro, Pro Max and new Air variant. The Air is rumour to have a single rear camera like the iPhone 16e. We’re expecting 120Hz displays across the whole range. Apple is yet to comment on the iPhone 17, but we can expect it to be cheaper than last year’s iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 is expected to launch at the same time of the year as the 16 – the week following Labor Day week. It could be the last year with the current iPhone launch schedule. One recent report says that Apple might split future iPhone launches across two separate release windows – retaining the traditional autumn schedule for Pro models while shifting standard models to the following spring. It would take effect from 2026, possibly the same year that the foldable iPhone launches (here’s everything we know so far about Apple’s folding iPhone). The iPhone 16 range costs broadly the same as the iPhone 15 before it.
It’s the rumoured orange hue that’s dominating the headlines, but there are plenty of other finishes included in the leak. We have full details below.
Recently Apple rumour bigwig Mark Gurman predicted that the iPhone 17 range would launch at the same time of the year as the iPhone 16 – the week following Labor Day week. That would put the launch at sometime in the week commencing 8th September.
We could see the iPhone 17 Pro Max have the biggest battery ever in an iPhone. The rumoured size of 5000mAh is pretty standard for premium Android phones, but new territory for an Apple handset.
Four models of iPhone 17 are rumoured: the standard, Pro, Pro Max and new Air variant that’s rumoured to be super slim.
The Air is rumoured to have a single rear camera like the iPhone 16e, and a small battery. We’re expecting 120Hz displays across the whole range.
Wondering what else to expect? Read on, and we’ll help you figure out if it’s worth upgrading this year.
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple is yet to breathe a word about the iPhone 17, but we can be pretty confident of when it will launch: September 2025.
Every iPhone in recent memory has launched in September (apart from the 12, which was delayed due to the pandemic).
Behold.
iPhone 11: 10th September 2019
iPhone 12: 13th October 2020
iPhone 13: 14th September 2021
iPhone 14: 7th September 2022
iPhone 15: 12th September 2023
iPhone 16: 9th September 2024
When exactly in September is harder to pin down. Mark Gurman reckons that, like last year, Apple will choose the week after Labor Day week, which would put the iPhone 17 launch at sometime in the week commencing 8th September.
But when exactly that week? Difficult to say. Apple used to launch its big products on a Tuesday, but that’s no longer the case. The iPhone 16 was the first to be announced on a Monday, and the iPhone 16e launched on a Wednesday.
This could be the last year with the current iPhone launch schedule. One recent report says that Apple might split future iPhone launches across two separate release windows – retaining the traditional autumn schedule for Pro models while shifting standard models to the following spring.
This would take effect from 2026, possibly the same year that the foldable iPhone launches (here’s everything we know so far about Apple’s folding iPhone).
iPhone 17 price hearsay
(Image credit: Apple)
The nature of inflation means that devices like phones usually get more expensive. But in the last couple of years, we’ve seen much more modest price rises than previously.
In some cases, prices have remained the same, or even fallen, meaning a new model launches for less than its inferior predecessor.
The iPhone 16 range costs broadly the same as the iPhone 15 before it.
Swipe to scroll horizontally Header Cell – Column 0 iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB £799 / $799 / AU$1399 £899 / $899 / AU$1599 £999 / $999 / AU$1799 N/A 256GB £899 / $899 / AU$1599 £999 / $999 / AU$1799 £1099 / $1099 / AU$1999 £1199 / $1199 / AU$2149 512GB £1099 / $1099 / AU$1949 £1199 / $1199 / AU$2149 £1299 / $1299 / AU$2349 £1399 / $1399 / AU$2499 1TB N/A N/A £1499 / $1499 / AU$2699 £1599 / $1599 / AU$2849
For context, Apple’s latest iPad Pro launched at £50 / $200 / AU$200 more than the model it replaces, though admittedly it did add an OLED screen to the offering.
But the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation launched at the same price as the AirPods 3, and that’s despite adding ANC. So Apple’s prices don’t always go up.
Running counter to that, the iPhone 16e replaced the iPhone SE as Apple’s cheapest iPhone. But with a starting price of £599 / $599 / AU$999, it’s not exactly budget. Which suggests Apple has given up on the cheap phone market.
Prices are notoriously tricky to predict, especially this far in advance – and especially for a new variant like the iPhone 17 Air.
The recent tariff uncertainty has prompted some Apple analysts to forecast a price rise, but with tariffs changing by the day, it’s too early to make any predictions. Smartphones were supposed to be among the devices exempt from tariffs, but then President Trump backtracked and threatened tariffs of “at least” 25 per cent on any iPhone made outside America.
According to Counterpoint Research, this will spell a price rise.
More RAM has been rumoured for the iPhone 17 range (more on this later), but with 12GB RAM modules costing 50 per cent more than 8GB ones, a price rise could be on the cards.
We’ll bring you more price leaks and rumours nearer to launch.
iPhone 17 range shakeup?
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
One of the biggest rumours concerning the iPhone 17 is the range make-up.
Before the iPhone 16 even launched, there was talk of the Plus model being replaced by a new ‘Air’ or ‘Slim’ variant.
As the name suggests, this would be slimmer than the current Plus, but also have other points of difference, like a different screen size and camera arrangement.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (who has a decent track record when it comes to these things), the iPhone 17 Air will measure just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, approaching the svelte dimensions of Apple’s 5.1mm iPad Pro M4.
This remarkable thinness isn’t merely an engineering achievement – Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests it could serve as a crucial testing ground for technologies destined for future foldable Apple devices.
Here’s how it might look, with a render created by Front Page Tech.
(Image credit: Front Page Tech)
The pursuit of such a slim profile has led Apple to make several significant design decisions, Gurman says: the frame will use a unique titanium-aluminium blend, with a higher proportion of aluminium than seen in current Pro models.
Physical SIM functionality will be replaced entirely by eSIM technology, while audio output will rely on a single speaker at the top rather than the dual-speaker configuration found in current iPhones.
If this is true, it could impact sound quality, so consider our interest piqued.
One more design compromise – the USB-C port on the bottom might not be centred, but rather be situated closer to the rear of the device than the front. That’s in order to accommodate display components within the enclosure, according to a dummy model seen by AppleTrack.
That’s a fairly minor change in the grand scheme of things. But unsightly to those with an eye for design, as it would mess up the pleasing symmetry of the device’s bottom edge. We can’t imagine Steve Jobs ever countenancing it.
In leaker Majin Bu’s photos (via GSMArena) of a dummy iPhone 17 Air, the handset certainly looks slim, but the camera lens juts out quite a bit from the top half. Which could turn some people off.
The iPhone 17 Air also thought to feature a black camera bar across the width of its back panel.
And speaking on the Recycle Bin podcast, tipster Jon Prosser speculated that the iPhone 17 Air could have a 6.7-inch screen – bigger than the 6.55 inches previously rumoured (though this was rounded up to 6.6 inches).
6.7 inches would be the same size as the screen on the iPhone 16 Plus – which would make sense, seeing as the 17 Air is said to replace the 16 Plus in Apple’s line-up.
Apple is said to be using high-density battery cells in the iPhone 17 Air in order to cram more battery power into a slimmer frame. That’s according to Ming-Chi Kuo.
iPhone 17 screen speculation
(Image credit: Apple)
There’s talk of Apple increasing the screen size of the standard iPhone model to bring it in line with the Pro.
Currently, the iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch screen, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s 6.3-incher.
With the rumoured iPhone 17 Air replacing the Plus model, that would leave the iPhone 17 range as follows:
iPhone 17: 6.3 inches
iPhone 17 Air/Slim: 6.6/6.7 inches
iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches
But that’s not the only screen change being mooted.
Apple is also said to bring 120Hz refresh rates to every iPhone in the line-up (including the rumoured iPhone 17 Air). This is a pretty big deal, given that its so-called ProMotion displays are currently exclusive to the Pro models.
But according to display analyst Ross Young (via MacRumors), 120Hz will soon be standard across the board.
This was also mooted by a leaker on Weibo(via MacRumors) who said this would be enabled by Samsung’s M14 OLED display panel (which is currently only used in Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max).
Not only would 120Hz refresh rates mean better handling of more frantic action, with less slowdown, it would also allow every iPhone 17 model to scale down to the more power efficient refresh rate of just 1Hz, extending battery life while also allowing for always-on displays to show information while the handset is locked (again, this feature is currently limited to the Pro models).
Samsung’s M14 panel is also 30 per cent brighter than the M13 that came before it.
However, one leaker has poured cold water on our expectations. Someone calling themselves Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo that you should “lower your expectations appropriately”, which suggests that either the standard and Air will only have 90Hz screens (still up from the 60Hz of the standard iPhone 16) or that they will have 120Hz displays but that these will lack the energy-efficient ProMotion tech of the Pro models.
That would mean fewer gains in battery life. But another screen technology could help out in this area.
Low-Dielectric TEE (Transmission Electrically Enhanced) apparently “improves battery efficiency, maximises display durability, and enhances overall performance compared to existing display technologies” according to the person who posted about it.
It’s said to be new technology about very little is known, so file this under ‘maybe’ for now.
The iPhone 17 is also said to have an anti-reflective screen that’s more scratch-resistant than Apple’s current Ceramic Shield, according to a rumour on Chinese social network Weibo.
A smaller Dynamic Island could also be in store. Analyst Jeff Pu says (via MacRumors) that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a “much narrowed [sic] Dynamic Island” thanks to the Face ID system using a smaller “metalens”.
Instead of being curved like a traditional lens, this would be thin and flat and be able to focus light more precisely. It would be the first change to the Dynamic Island since it was introduced in 2022.
However, another well-respected analyst thinks the Dynamic Island will remain “largely unchanged”.
iPhone 17 design rumours
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The iPhone 17 is said to feature some significant design changes compared to its predecessor.
One of the biggest – and most puzzling – design changes mentioned is ditching the Pro models’ titanium build in favour of aluminium across the board. That’s according to The Information, which notes that “the back of the Pro and Pro Max models will feature a new part-aluminium, part-glass design.
“The top of the back will comprise a larger rectangular camera bump made of aluminium rather than traditional 3D glass. The bottom half will remain glass to accommodate wireless charging.”
Why is this puzzling? Apple only introduced titanium in 2023, on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Apple marketed titanium as strong yet light, and a more premium option than the stainless steel previously used. (It hasn’t used aluminium for a premium iPhone since the iPhone X in 2017.)
As such, this rumour has been met with some skepticism.
The iPhone 17 Pro could have the same horizontal camera bar on the rear as the iPhone 17 Air, according to this render from Front Page Tech.
(Image credit: Front Page Tech)
But another leak contradicts that, showing the camera bar split into two distinct sections. Mark Gurman reckons the bar will be the same colour as the rest of the iPhone too, whereas previously it was thought to be a different shade in order to stand out.
According to leaker Majin Bu, the camera bar will mean the Apple logo sits lower on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro model than on the iPhone 16 range.
The iPhone 17’s battery could be easier to remove, thanks to a different type of adhesive. According to MacRumors, that would make the batteries easier to swap, extending the life of your iPhone.
Everyone seems to be sharing the same iPhone 17 CAD, so I thought I’d share the ones I’ve seen. Do we like this design? pic.twitter.com/IttxjgDhnbFebruary 28, 2025
According to these CADs (computer-aided designs) shared by reputable leaker Sonny Dickson, the iPhone 17 will have a very similar design to the iPhone 16, with only the Air, Pro and Pro Max getting the horizontal camera bar.
Though the standard iPhone 17 model would still get plenty of other improvements, like the 120Hz always-on screen and possibly some new colour schemes.
The iPhone 17 Air will have the same dimensions as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, apart from being slimmer, according to leaker Ice Universe.
“The iPhone 17 Air is 5.5mm thick, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.725mm thick,” they wrote on Weibo.
That would make the 17 Pro Max quite a bit thicker than the 16 Pro Max.
We should also have some new colours with this year’s model. Rumours say – via MacRumors – that the iPhone 17 Air will come in a new light blue, similar to the M4 MacBook Air that launched earlier this year, while the 17 Pro could come in a nice shade of orange. We know Apple is trying to cosy up to Trump but this seems ridiculous…
iPhone 17 specs and features leaks
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
Apple usually gives its new iPhones a new processor, and the iPhone 17 should be no different.
The range-topping iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature Apple’s A19 Pro chip, while the iPhone 17 and 17 Air/Slim are thought to feature the standard A19.
This is in keeping with the iPhone 16 range, which was the first to feature different versions of the same chip in the Pro and non-Pro models.
TSMC’s upcoming N3P technology is thought to feature. This is said to offer better efficiency and increased transistor density.
More RAM is also thought to be in the offing. Analyst Jeff Pu has previously said that the Pro models will have 12GB RAM, and the non-Pros 8GB.
However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reckons that only the Pro Max will have 12GB, with the rest featuring 8GB. In a more recent blog post, he expanded this prediction to include the iPhone 17 Air as well.
Apple doesn’t reveal how much RAM each iPhone features, so it’s down to teardowns and online sleuths to reveal it.
The iPhone 17 Air, in particular, is expected to feature at least 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence’s AI features, despite its slim profile.
However, the thin design necessitates some compromises – notably, the device will completely eliminate the physical SIM tray in favour of eSIM technology, which could affect its availability in certain markets.
Other new features are said to include an Apple-designed 5G modem (only in the Slim/Air variant), and an Apple custom Wi-Fi 7 chip.
The iPhone 17 range is also expected to gain vapour chamber cooling (via 9to5Mac). This is a more effective method of passive cooling to squeeze the maximum possible performance out of the phone.
Opinion is split whether this will be exclusive to the Pro Max, or available on all models.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also said to have a 5000mAh battery – larger than any iPhone that has come before it. The 16 Pro Max has a 4685mAh battery.
Google’s Gemini AI assistant could arrive as part of the iPhone 17. Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai has reportedly been talking to his Apple counterpart Tim Cook about having Gemini built into the next iPhone, and hopes to have a deal in place by September, Bloomberg reports.
But Apple’s own Siri AI has reportedly been shunted back to 2026, according to Bloomberg.
We could see faster charging speeds. 91Mobiles spotted that Apple has submitted regulatory filings in Taiwan for two new MagSafe chargers supporting the Qi 2.2 standard. This would step up the maximum charging speed from 25W to 50W, meaning greater efficiency and less heat generation, and even better alignment when snapped into place using their magnets. Wins all round.
iPhone 17 camera conjecture
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The camera is always one of the main selling points of any iPhone, and the iPhone 17’s could be the best yet, with a comprehensive update across the range expected.
The top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumoured to be the first iPhone with three 48-megapixel rear cameras: wide, ultrawide and tetraprism telephoto.
The iPhone 17 Air, given its svelte nature, is expected to have just a single rear camera, to allow it to be much thinner than its stablemates.
One model in the range is also said to have a mechanical aperture, to vary the amount of light allowed in to the sensor.
This would allow for shallow depth of field shots, and make it a much more versatile camera.
However, The Information doesn’t reveal which model this would be, though it would make sense to be the 17 Pro Max, with the highest-end model getting the most advanced features.
The 5x telephoto zoom lens is thought to remain exclusive to the Pro models in the iPhone 17 range.
Every phone in the family is said to have a 24-megapixel front-facing camera – double the resolution of the iPhone 16’s 12-megapixel selfie-taker.
The iPhone 17 is also rumoured to gain 8K video recording, according to a source on Weibo (via GSMArena).
Some Android phones allow 8K video recording, but this would be the first iPhone with the feature.
iPhone 17 early verdict
Even before the iPhone 16 broke cover, the 17 was said to be the first significant upgrade to the iPhone in years. If these rumours are true, that definitely looks to be the case.
As ever, Apple won’t be short of competition, with Google, Samsung and a host of Chinese competitors vying for your hard-earned. And who knows what the economic climate will be come September, with price rises potentially on the cards.
As such, Apple will have to deliver even more from the iPhone 17.
We’ll keep updating this page regularly with all the latest leaks, rumours and news, so make sure you check back for the latest.
MORE:
Browse today’s best Apple deals: iPhone, iPad, HomePod
These are the best smartphones for music and movies
Google fans, check out the best Android phones
iPhone 17 Air rumors — everything we know so far
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be as thin as 5.65mm. The device is tipped to have a 6.6-inch screen. Battery size could be limited to 2,800 mAh, but a new technology could make the cell denser. Some sources think the Air will adopt the $899 starting price of the iPhone 16 Plus. But other rumors suggest we’re looking at a handset that costs more than the Pro Max — which currently starts at $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple’s iOS 26 beta includes a wallpaper with a resolution seemingly geared for theiPhone 17 Air. The Air could debut with a smaller Dynamic Island feature, matching other iPhone 17 models. It could be the thinnest and lightest devices in Apple’s class of devices. It’s expected to launch in September 2025, unless it’s pushed back to 2026 or killed off completely. It would be a replacement for the Plus-sized iPhone, which Apple has been using for the past three years.
• We got our first look at iOS 26, the software that will power Apple’s next phones
• The iOS 26 beta includes a wallpaper with a resolution seemingly geared for the iPhone 17 Air
• The iPhone 17 Air could debut with a smaller Dynamic Island feature, matching other iPhone 17 models
Whether you call it the iPhone 17 Air or the iPhone Slim, it seems pretty likely that Apple is coming out with a new model later this year. And regardless of the name it debuts under in fall 2025, this rumored device should be an ultra-thin handset.
We’ve heard rumors of new Apple iPhone models that never materialized — remember the iPhone 16 Ultra, anyone? — but reports of a slimmer iPhone 17 model have been pretty persistent. Besides, all those iPhone 17 Air dummy units popping up didn’t arrive out of thin air and there are even hints in the iOS 26 developer beta about a new model joining the iPhone lineup this year.
It’s still going to be a few months before we see the iPhone 17 lineup in person — Apple’s launch event typically happens in September, after all. But enough rumors about the iPhone 17 Air have emerged to give us some idea of what to expect.
iPhone 17 Air cheat sheet: Biggest rumors
The iPhone 17 Air would replace the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s lineup
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be as thin as 5.65mm
The device is tipped to have a 6.6-inch screen
Dummy units show only rear camera
Like the other iPhone 17 models, the Air would run on A19 silicon
Battery size could be limited to 2,800 mAh, but a new technology could make the cell denser
Pricing estimates range from $899 to $1,099
iPhone release dates are pretty easy to predict, giving every numbered Apple smartphone in the last decade has come out in September (barring the iPhone 12, which had an October unveiling, thanks to Coronavirus). As such, it’s a strong bet that the iPhone 17 Air will emerge in September 2025, unless it’s pushed back to 2026 or killed off completely.
Rumors that the iPhone 17 Air entered the first stages of production in December 2024 seem to support this fall 2025 time frame. And if that wasn’t enough, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg believes we will see the iPhone 17 series debut between September 8 and 12 this year.
Price is more difficult to gauge, as it sounds like the iPhone 17 Air will be a bit of departure from Apple’s current lineup. For the past three years, Apple has featured four models — a standard iPhone, a slightly larger Plus model that costs $100 more, and two iPhone Pro models (a regular Pro and a larger, more expensive Pro Max).
For the iPhone 17 lineup, the standard iPhone is expected to stick around, as will the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. So that would make the iPhone 17 Air something of a replacement for the Plus-sized iPhone.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Some sources think that the iPhone 17 Air will adopt the $899 starting price of the iPhone 16 Plus, which makes sense if that’s the model the Air will replace. But other rumors suggest we’re looking at a handset that costs more than the Pro Max — which currently starts at $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Of course, all those pricing rumors emerged before the Trump administration’s pursuit of tariffs against other countries — chiefly, China where most iPhones are made. It’s safe to say the tariff situation remains in flux, but with President Trump specifically threatening Apple with a a 25% tariff unless it moves phone production to the U.S., it’s no wonder why reports claim the company is looking at price hikes for this year’s phones.
iPhone 17 Air: Design and screen
(Image credit: Front Page Tech)
As the Air/Slim name suggests, the most notable thing about this new iPhone model is likely to be how skinny it will be. We don’t have an actual measurement on that yet, but given its aluminum chassis is predicted to be “significantly thinner” we’re talking about a device that presumably greatly undercuts the 7.8mm depth of the iPhone 16.
Indeed, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote back in June 2024 that this particular iPhone is set to be in “a new class of Apple devices that should be the thinnest and lightest products in the whole tech industry.” So perhaps the target will be something to eclipse even the 2024 iPad Air (6.1mm) or even the 2024 iPad Pro (5.3mm). At least one recent leak suggests the iPhone 17 Air could be 5.5mm at its thinnest point.
In a video of what appears to be an iPhone 17 Air dummy unit, Unbox Therapy compares the rumored device to other models. The dummy unit measures 5.65mm at its thinnest point, compared to 8.75mm for an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy unit.
(Image credit: Majin Bu/X)
A photo claiming to show off dummy units for the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides a visual aide on just how thin the Air could be. Stacked up against the Pro Max model, the rumored Air device looks a lot more slender.
Another two shows both phones side by side, and with the 17 Air inside a case. Even with the added thickness of the case, it seems as though the phone is still significantly thinner than the Pro Max.
iPhone 17 Air (left) and iPhone 17 Pro Max (right) dummy units (Image credit: Majin Bu on X)
We can see this in these other images from Sonny Dickson. Note how the camera control button on the bottom of the right edge is thinner on the Air, presumably a necessary adaptation for the slimmed design.
(Image credit: Sonny Dickson/X)
And in these images from AppleTrack, we see how much thinner the iPhone 17 Air could be compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
(Image credit: AppleTrack)
This thin frame for the iPhone 17 Air will reportedly support a 6.6-inch OLED display, which is only slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus’ 6.7-inch panel. For more evidence of the iPhone 17 Air’s existence, there’s a wallpaper in the iOS 26 developer beta with resolution that would perfectly fit a 6.6-inch display.
The iPhone 17 Air might have other premium features to make it stand out, such as a smaller hole and pill-shaped cutout for Dynamic Island. That’s made possible by Apple adopting a new “metalens” for the Face ID camera, a feature reportedly coming to every iPhone 17 model including the Air.
Recent iPhone Pro models have used titanium frames to distinguish themselves from the rest of the lineup. That’s a feature that may not make its way to the iPhone 17 Air. Instead, the assumption is the Air will use aluminum just like the standard iPhone.
(Image credit: Majin Bu)
There’s also the possibility that Apple could try an all-new design language with the iPhone 17 Air beyond just making it skinny. Some leaks show the phone with centered cameras, while others point to it using a Google Pixel-style horizontal bar spanning the whole width of the phone for its sensors (although the latter’s been disputed by other sources). Apple’s not tried either of these styles before, so it could be a good way to show off this phone as something different from other iPhones, but we aren’t sure how good it really looks, at least in the renders.
Adding more substance to this rumor is a leak claiming to show a pair of iPhone 17 Air shells with a horizontal camera bar clearly visible on the back. These images came from the leaker known as Maijin Bu who successfully predicted the existence of the “Desert Titanium” colorway for the iPhone 16 Pro before it was announced. Majin Bu has since posted images of 3D-printed models to illustrate this more clearly.
(Image credit: Majin Bu on X)
Majin Bu also leaked renders of all iPhone 17 models, which show that the iPhone 17 Air will apparently not match any of the other iPhone 17 versions, offering its own unique design.
iPhone 17 Air: Cameras
(Image credit: Front Page Tech)
There’s another way Apple can make sure the iPhone 17 Air lives up to its name — it can reduce the number of cameras on the back of the phone. Camera sensors need a fair amount of space, and stripping back to just the essentials frees up Apple to reduce the overall size of its phone.
To that end, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 17 Air will only sport a single 48MP rear lens, rather than the main and ultrawide camera setup found on the iPhone 16 Plus, with the telephoto camera remaining a Pro iPhone exclusive. A 48MP main camera could pull double duty for zoom shots, allowing you to crop in on photos to approximate an 2x optical zoom. Apple has used that approach since the iPhone 15 adopted a 48MP main camera, and those zoom shots have compared well to ones shot with a dedicated telephoto lens in our testing.
For what it’s worth, analyst Jeff Pu also backs the iPhone 17 Air to have a lone 48MP main camera, adding that the phone’s front camera will be a 24MP sensor. That claim is consistent with rumors about the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup getting an upgrade from the current 12MP TrueDepth camera on iPhones.
iPhone 17 Air: Performance
Since the A18 and A18 Pro chipsets power the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, it stands to reason that the iPhone 17 lineup including the Air would turn to the A19 system-on-chip. Just how much of an advance the silicon will be is open to debate, though, as a report claims that Apple won’t have a chip built on a 2-nanometer process until the iPhone 18.
if true, that means the A19 powering the iPhone 17 Air would be a 3nm chip like the A18. That would suggest modest performance gains are on tap.
Apple upped the RAM on its iPhone 16 models to 8GB — all the better to handle those new Apple Intelligence features on device. That’s likely to continue with the iPhone 17 Air, as only the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to get a boost to 12GB of memory.
Other current iPhone 17 Air specs rumors apply to the entire iPhone 17 lineup. For instance, the phones coming out in fall 2025 are tipped to get an Apple-made Wi-Fi chip. This is different from the Apple-built C1 cellular modem that arrived with the iPhone 16e — apparently only the iPhone 17 Air will get that, while the other iPhone 17s are stuck with older Qualcomm-made modems.
iPhone 17 Air: Battery life and charging
Battery rumors for the iPhone 17 Air have just started materializing, and things don’t sound too good. In fact leaks claim that the phone will have a meager 2,800 mAh battery — 1,100 mAh less than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
That is concerningly small, even for an iPhone, and it suggests Apple has fallen back into the habit of shrinking batteries to reduce thickness.
There are rumors that Apple will employ a new silicon carbon battery, which should help boost battery density by as much as 15%. However, if the capacity rumors are true this probably won’t matter much. It just means that Apple didn’t need quite as much space to fit the battery in.
Bloomberg’s Gurman has suggested that iPhone 17 Air battery life will be “on par” with other iPhone models, which is encouraging given how well the entire iPhone 16 lineup performed on our battery test. The thinking seems to be that the more power-efficient C1 modem and an A19 processor that improves power draw will help make up for any limitations on battery size that the iPhone 17 Air faces.
A report covering all the iPhone 17 models suggests Apple is looking into a new type of glue to hold the batteries of its phones in place. This glue would make it easy to remove the battery without requiring much force — a change that would make it easier to replace your phone’s battery.
iPhone 17 Air: Software
(Image credit: Apple)
iOS 26 is the new version of Apple’s iPhone software, with a release date slated for later this year. (What happened to iOS 19, you’re asking? Apple changed the naming convention to now use years instead of version numbers.) Given that Apple plans to roll out iOS 26 to existing iPhones in the fall, it will almost certainly come pre-installed on the iPhone 17 Air.
Thanks to a WWDC 2025 preview, we got a look at the Liquid Glass interface that’s now appearing on all Apple software. It features translucent menus, rounded controls and a glassy look. It’s the biggest change to the iPhone’s interface in a dozen years.
But don’t let the attention to the interface overhaul distract you from new features on the iPhones, specifically some Apple Intelligence tools that will be available to the iPhone 17 Air. These include AI-powered Call Screening, a live translation feature that works across multiple apps, and improved Visual Intelligence capabilities. Besides those new AI tools, you’ll also see changes throughout the iPhone’s current built-in apps, plus the arrival of a new Games app.
iPhone 17 Air: What we want to see
Slim is clearly in with phone makers, as Samsung has already announced a Galaxy S25 Edge model that we’re expecting to see arrive ahead of Apple’s rumored phone. So how does Apple top the competition with an iPhone 17 Air? We’ve got a Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 17 Air comparison that addresses potential differences, but here’s what we want to see in Apple’s super-slender model.
Solid battery life
As we noted, the worry about any super-thin design is that battery capacity will inevitably suffer. Even with a more efficient chipset, we wonder if the iPhone 17 Air would be able to last as long as the Plus model it’s replacing. Any step back would run counter to the battery life gains Apple made with the iPhone 16 lineup.
Decent photography
With the iPhone 17 Air tipped to have a single 48MP camera, this model could lack the flexibility of other iPhones, which rank among the best camera phones you can buy. A recent survey indicated that shoppers are put off by single camera devices, which might be bad news for the Air’s prospects.
We’re hoping that the iPhone 17 Air can still produce great photos, especially in low-light conditions..
Plenty of storage
If the iPhone 17 Air is as expensive as some early rumors suggest, then Apple really had best not be planning to scrimp on the onboard storage.
The base iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with 256GB of storage, but all other iPhone models among Apple’s current flagships start at 128GB. That’s not going to cut it for a phone with a premium price tag.
iPhone 17 Air outlook
Assuming that the iPhone 17 Air is in the works — and that seems like a safe assumption at this point — we’re still months away from a release. That leaves plenty of time for more rumors to emerge.
We’re eager to find out more about this would-be model and what special features it might have beyond just being a thinner phone. And of course, we want to find out just what Apple is going to charge for what sounds like a pretty future-facing phone.