Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is set to introduce dramatic design changes, new model types, advanced cameras, and silicon upgrades—alongside verified dates for announcement and release. Presented below is an in-depth exploration of all major rumors, leaks, and confirmed details regarding the iPhone 17 series, followed by a comprehensive feature and specs comparison.
iPhone 17 Series Overview
The iPhone 17 family will reportedly consist of four models: the standard iPhone 17, the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the professional-grade iPhone 17 Pro, and the premium flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple is discontinuing the “Plus” model and revamping its mid-tier offering with the Air, aiming for sleeker aesthetics, enhanced features, and performance boosts across the board.
Announcement and Release Dates
- Announcement Event: September 9, 2025 at Apple Park campus, Cupertino, California.
- Pre-orders Begin: September 12, 2025.
- Official Release: September 19, 2025.
These dates have been confirmed by Apple’s official event invitations and widely corroborated in tech media.
iPhone 17 Models and Sizes
The four models are expected to feature distinct display sizes and body designs:
| Model | Display Size | Thickness | Design/Bump |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 6.3 inches | Standard | Vertically pill-shaped bump |
| iPhone 17 Air | 6.6 inches | <6mm (ultra-thin) | Large centered camera bump |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3 inches | Slimmer (Aluminum) | Rectangular horizontal bump |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 6.9 inches | Standard (Max) | Rectangular horizontal bump |
- iPhone 17 Air is replacing the Plus model, with a focus on extreme thinness (<6 mm), a new centered camera bump, and a light chassis (~145 grams).
- Pro models expected to shift to aluminum (from titanium), half-glass backs, and larger rectangular camera modules.
- All models anticipated to feature slimmer bezels and possibly new shades including green and purple.
Display Technology and Features
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate: All models, not just Pro, will have smooth scroll and video, enabled by LTPO OLED panels.
- Always-On display potential for non-Pro models, depending on Apple’s final implementation.
- Brightness and durability: The Air and entry-level models share the new Samsung-sourced OLED panel with ~30% greater brightness. Pro models may receive a unique anti-reflective display coating for added scratch resistance.
- Dynamic Island: Rumors suggest a metalens-based Face ID system could shrink Dynamic Island, but not all sources agree.
Cameras: Big Upgrades Across the Lineup
Rear Cameras
| Model | Rear Cameras | Details |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | Dual: 48MP Main + 12MP UW | Same arrangement as iPhone 16, vertical pill shape |
| iPhone 17 Air | Single: 48MP Main | Centered, with a unique horizontal bump |
| iPhone 17 Pro | Triple: 48MP Wide, 48MP UW, upgraded Telephoto | New camera array, up to 8x zoom rumored |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Triple: All 48MP sensors | Telephoto gets Tetraprism tech, 8K video support |
- All models to feature a new 24MP front selfie camera with 6-element lens, doubling the pixel count from previous generations.
- Pro Max rumored to get 3 x 48MP rear cameras and support for 8K video recording.
- Variable aperture for Pro series may allow manual depth-of-field control for the first time.
- Dual video recording (front and rear simultaneously) is under consideration for Pro devices.
Chipsets and Performance
| Model | Chipset | RAM | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | A18 (3nm) | 8GB | Apple C1 5G modem rumored |
| iPhone 17 Air | A19 (3nm) | 12GB | First Apple 5G modem, Wi-Fi 7, ultra-thin |
| iPhone 17 Pro | A19 Pro (3nm) | 12GB | Vapor chamber cooling, Wi-Fi 7 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | A19 Pro (3nm) | 12GB | Vapor cooling, largest battery (5,000mAh?) |
- The standard model uses last year’s Pro chip (A18), Air and Pro Variants get A19 built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm node.
- Vapor chamber cooling debuts for Pro models, reducing thermal throttling and keeping performance steady during intense workloads.
- AI utilization: 12GB RAM in Air/Pro/Pro Max designed to extend Apple Intelligence and on-device AI features.
Connectivity and Wireless Advancements
- Apple’s first in-house 5G modem debuts in the Air, supporting up to 4Gb/s downloads over sub-6GHz. Other models retain Qualcomm modems.
- Wi-Fi 7: All models to feature Apple’s custom Wi-Fi chip, supporting multi-band transmission up to 40Gb/s.
- Qi2 25W wireless charging: All iPhone 17 models support faster wireless charging with upcoming Qi 2.2 standard.
- Reverse wireless charging for AirPods and Apple Watch likely in Pro devices.
- eSIM-only in Air across more regions due to size constraints, furthering Apple’s push away from SIM trays globally.
- Bluetooth 5.3 supported across lineup.
Battery, Thermal, and Durability
- Battery sizes aren’t finalized, but Pro Max could increase to 5,000 mAh, marking Apple’s highest ever cell capacity.
- Easier battery replacements: New low-voltage adhesive process makes swapping batteries across models up to the Pro Max less technical.
- Ultra-thin Air may compromise on battery for thinness—capacity likely <4,000mAh.
Colors and Design Variations
- Rumored colors: Green, Purple, Black, White, Steel Gray, Light Blue.
- Pro-exclusive Liquid Glass-inspired white could debut, shifting appearance with light.
- TechWoven cases for improved drop durability, tactile metallic buttons, lanyard-ready corners, and MagSafe compatibility.
Pricing (Rumored)
| Model | Expected U.S. Starting Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $829–$850 |
| iPhone 17 Air | $899–$979 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,049 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,249 |
Price hikes of about $50 are likely due to tariffs and component costs, according to analysts; Apple reportedly will justify the premium via new features and design.
Complete Specs Comparison Table
iPhone 17 Lineup Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.6 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Thickness | Standard | <6mm | Slimmer, Aluminum | Standard, Aluminum |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP Main + 12MP UW | 48MP Main | 48MP Wide, 48MP UW, Upgraded Telephoto | 48MP Wide, UW, Tetraprism Telephoto |
| Selfie Camera | 24MP | 24MP | 24MP | 24MP |
| Chip | A18 (3nm) | A19 (3nm) | A19 Pro (3nm) | A19 Pro (3nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | 12GB | 12GB |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Modem | Qualcomm/Apple C1 | Apple 5G (sub-6GHz) | Qualcomm/Apple C1 | Qualcomm/Apple C1 |
| Charging | Qi2 25W wireless | Qi2 25W | Qi2 25W + Reverse charging | Qi2 25W + Reverse charging |
| Battery | TBA, easier replace | <4,000mAh | TBA, easier replace | ~5,000mAh |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 |
| Colors | B/W/Gray/Blue/Green/Purple | Black/Silver/Gold/Light Blue | Copper/Black/Gray/Silver/Blue/White | Same as Pro |
| Price (USD) | $829–$850 | $899–$979 | $1,049 | $1,249 |
| Extras | MagSafe, Action Btn. | MagSafe, Action Btn. | Vapor Chamber cooling | Vapor Chamber cooling, 8K video |
Expected Feature Highlights
Design Innovations
- Ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air sets new record for iPhone slimness, includes centered camera and lightweight build.
- Pro Models swap titanium for aluminum, adopting half-glass design for increased durability and thermal performance.
Display and Media
- All models bring ProMotion 120Hz experience, improved OLED brightness, and possibly always-on display to lower tiers non-Pro models.
- Pro variants gain anti-reflective coating for added screen resilience.
Connectivity
- Air model debuts Apple’s custom 5G and Wi-Fi chips, moving Apple closer to full-stack wireless control and efficiency.
- eSIM expansion especially in ultra-thin models, reflecting evolving industry standards.
Performance
- A19 Pro chip in flagship models promises improved AI processing, graphics, and efficiency via TSMC’s advanced 3NP process.
- Vapor chamber cooling enables more stable performance during demanding tasks or heavy gaming.
Cameras
- First iPhone with three 48MP rear cameras in Pro Max, new front-facing 24MP selfie lens, and possible variable aperture for manual depth control.
- Video upgrades: 8K recording and simultaneous front/rear “dual video” capture in Pro models.
Battery and Charging
- Qi2 25W wireless charging standard across lineup; reverse wireless charging likely for Pro series.
- Battery maintenance simplified thanks to user-friendly adhesive system.
Announcement Details
Apple’s September 9 “Awe Dropping” event will be livestreamed at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Apple’s website and via the Apple TV app, covering iPhone 17, Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3. Pre-orders begin September 12, with devices releasing September 19.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 lineup signals a bold shift for Apple in 2025: design freshening, technology leaps, and new pricing strategies. These devices promise ground-breaking advancements in display, camera, performance, and connectivity—anchoring Apple’s continued lead in smartphone innovation. Stay tuned to Apple’s fall event for official confirmations as the world watches the future of mobile technology unfold.
View the announcement LIVE on September 9th 2025 below:
