The next generation of Apple’s iconic smartphone is generating significant buzz. While Apple’s recent focus has been on the software side with the unveiling of iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence features (though some advanced AI capabilities are reportedly delayed until 2026), attention is rapidly shifting to the highly anticipated hardware launch.
Leaks and analyst reports suggest the iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing updates in years, potentially featuring significant design changes, camera upgrades, and the introduction of a brand new model: the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
But when can you expect to see the new iPhones? How much will they cost? And what features are stirring up the most excitement (and debate)? We’ve rounded up all the key rumors you need to know about the upcoming handsets.
iPhone 17 Release Date: Predicting Apple’s Fall Launch
One of the easiest predictions to make about a new iPhone is its launch window. Apple has a remarkably consistent track record, typically unveiling its new lineup in the second week of September.
Looking back at recent history confirms this pattern:
iPhone 16: Monday, September 9, 2024
iPhone 15: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
iPhone 14: Wednesday, September 7, 2022
iPhone 13: Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Announcements almost always fall on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Following the reveal, pre-orders usually open on the Friday of the same week, with the phones becoming generally available in stores and online a week later.
Based on this reliable cycle, the iPhone 17 announcement is widely expected to happen between September 8th and 10th, 2025. Pre-orders could then begin on Friday, September 12th, with a full retail release potentially on Friday, September 19th.
iPhone 17 Price: Are Price Hikes Finally Coming?
iPhone pricing has remained surprisingly stable over recent years, despite annual predictions of increases. However, 2025 might finally see that trend broken.
Reports from outlets like The Wall Street Journal suggest Apple is indeed planning to raise iPhone prices later this year. The company is reportedly aiming to justify the increase based on new features and design changes, rather than controversial factors like tariffs.
However, potential US tariffs remain a wildcard. Threats of significant import taxes (potentially 25% or even higher on non-US manufactured goods) could still influence global pricing strategies by the time the iPhone 17 launches.
While a general upward trend might be expected, the anticipated iPhone 17 Air could buck the trend. Replacing the less popular Plus model, the Air is rumored to launch at the same price point as the iPhone 16 Plus: $899 in the US and £899 in the UK. This could position the Air as the most affordable model in the new lineup, despite its focus on thinness.
Some analysts estimate potential pricing for the full range could look something like this:
iPhone 17: £799 / $799
iPhone 17 Air: £899 / $899
iPhone 17 Pro: £1,099 / $1,099 (a potential £100 / $100 increase)
iPhone 17 Pro Max: £1,199 / $1,199
Pricing for the base iPhone 17 in India is also speculated to see an increase, potentially starting around ₹89,900 compared to the iPhone 16’s launch price.
iPhone 17 Design and Display Leaks
Design appears to be a major focus for the iPhone 17 series, particularly with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air. This new model is expected to be incredibly slim, with some leaks suggesting a thickness of just 5.5mm – potentially the thinnest iPhone ever released.
The iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin profile could necessitate some design compromises. Rumors point to it featuring just a single 48MP rear camera housed in a new horizontal pill-shaped bar. The USB-C port might even be slightly off-centre to accommodate the slimmer chassis. It’s expected to sport a 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion, Dynamic Island, and Face ID.
For the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, design changes are also rumored:
Frame Material: There’s widespread speculation about a potential shift from the titanium frame used on the iPhone 16 Pro models back to a more complex aluminium design for the Pro and Pro Max. The base iPhone 17 and 17 Air are already expected to use aluminium. Some reports suggest the Pro models might feature an aluminium upper back half combined with a glass bottom half, potentially related to wireless charging requirements. This material change could be seen by some as a downgrade from titanium.
Camera Bump: The Pro models are rumored to feature a larger, more prominent rectangular camera bump, potentially resembling the “visor” look found on some Google Pixel phones. This design might house a horizontally arranged triple camera system.
Buttons: One rumor suggests Apple might consolidate the volume and action buttons into a single capacitive button on some models.
Colors: New color options are anticipated. A soft Sky Blue is rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, similar to recent MacBook Air hues. A “Teal Titanium” color has also been rumored for the Pro models.
Display Sizes: Display dimensions are largely expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 16 lineup, except possibly the base iPhone 17 increasing slightly. This means approximately 6.1 inches for the standard 17 (or potentially 6.3 inches), 6.3 inches for the 17 Pro, and 6.9 inches for the 17 Pro Max. The Air is expected at 6.6 inches.
Display Tech: A significant potential upgrade for the non-Pro models is the inclusion of the Always-On Display and ProMotion LPTO technology, finally bringing dynamic refresh rates (possibly 120Hz or 90Hz) to the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air. Earlier rumors about enhanced scratch resistance and anti-reflective coatings have faced production issue reports, though some leaks still mention an improved anti-reflective coating, particularly for Pro models. The Air might use new ultra-thin OLED display technology.
iPhone 17 Specs: Power and Connectivity Boosts
Under the hood, performance upgrades are a given, with new chips expected across the board.
Processor: All four iPhone 17 models (including the Air) are rumored to feature an A19 chip. The higher-end iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are expected to receive an upgraded A19 Pro chipset, likely built on an improved 3-nanometer process for better efficiency.
RAM: In a notable step up, all iPhone 17 phones are rumored to ship with 12GB of RAM. This increase from the 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro is seen as necessary to support future, more demanding Apple Intelligence and AI features.
Modem: The iPhone 17 Air may incorporate Apple’s own C1 modem (also found in the iPhone 16e). Pro models might continue using Qualcomm modems, potentially to support mmWave 5G. The Air could even be the first iPhone globally to launch without a physical SIM tray.
Connectivity: Support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard is anticipated across the entire range.
Cooling: A new vapor chamber cooling system is rumored for the Pro models, designed to improve heat dissipation under heavy loads, such as intensive gaming or complex AI tasks. Some reports suggest this could extend to all models.
iPhone 17 Camera Upgrades
Camera systems are expected to see meaningful enhancements, particularly for the front-facing camera and the Pro models.
Front Camera: A significant upgrade is rumored for the front-facing “selfie” camera across all four iPhone 17 models. It’s expected to jump from the current 12MP sensor to a higher-resolution 24MP camera with an improved lens, promising better detail and low-light performance.
Rear Camera (Pro): The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to feature a powerful triple 48MP camera system, upgrading both the ultrawide and telephoto lenses to 48 megapixels to match the main sensor. The telephoto lens is expected to offer 3.5x or 5x optical zoom. This system may be housed in the rumored new horizontal camera array.
Rear Camera (Base): The standard iPhone 17 is expected to retain its current dual vertical rear camera setup, though it may include a 48MP primary sensor.
Rear Camera (Air): As mentioned, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature just a single 48MP rear camera in a horizontal bar.
Video Features: A potentially interesting new software feature for the Pro models could allow users to record video simultaneously using both the front and rear cameras, overlaying a selfie feed onto the main outward-facing footage – a handy tool for content creators. There’s also speculation about 8K video recording finally arriving on the Pro models.
Aperture: A less certain rumor suggests the ultrawide lens might gain a mechanical aperture for greater light control.
iPhone 17 Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a key concern, especially for the radical iPhone 17 Air design.
iPhone 17 Air Battery: There are conflicting reports regarding the Air’s battery. While some sources suggest Apple is optimizing hardware and software (like the C1 modem and a higher-density battery made possible by removing the ultrawide camera) to achieve battery life “on par with current iPhones” (presumably the iPhone 16), other reports are less optimistic. One leak suggests only 60-70% of Air users might get a full day without recharging, significantly lower than other models, potentially requiring an extra battery case. However, hope is on the horizon: a new silicon-anode battery technology developed by supplier TDK is reportedly ahead of schedule and could be incorporated, potentially mitigating the battery limitations imposed by the Air’s slim chassis.
Other Models: The Pro Max model is rumored to be slightly thicker, which could allow for a larger battery capacity.
Charging: While reverse wireless charging capabilities have appeared in prototypes, their inclusion in the final product remains uncertain. An interesting rumor points to a new electrically-induced battery removal technology across the lineup, making battery replacements easier by using a small electric current to soften adhesive.
The Verdict: Weighing the iPhone 17 Rumors
Based on the wealth of leaks and analyst reports, the iPhone 17 series could represent a notable evolution for Apple’s smartphone lineup. The introduction of the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air is a bold move, while upgrades like the 24MP front camera, 12GB RAM across the range, and the potential trickle-down of Always-On Display and ProMotion to non-Pro models are highly anticipated.
However, potential drawbacks exist. A possible price increase could impact affordability, and the rumored shift back to aluminium frames for Pro models might feel like a step down from titanium. The iPhone 17 Air’s battery life remains a key unknown, potentially offset by new battery tech or requiring an accessory. The delayed rollout of some key Apple Intelligence features also means the full AI potential tied to the new hardware and increased RAM might not be realized immediately upon launch.
Despite the conflicting details inherent in the rumor cycle, the iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be one of the most discussed Apple launches in recent memory as we head towards the expected September reveal.
