iPhone 17

The iPhone 16 is here, but the rumor mill has already been speculating on the smartphone after that for months. Due in September 2025, the iPhone 17 lineup is forecast to offer a few interesting updates to the smartphone series.

The early rumors are naturally light, but they do fall into a few key areas. Chiefly, they cover a change to the four-device lineup, as well as some camera alterations. 

At this early stage, it's usually safe to expect it to be largely based on the specifications of the iPhone 16, but with some standard changes alongside the bigger new ones. The only thing that's usually certain is a processor upgrade and some kind of new camera feature.

iPhone 17: Slim, Pro, Max

As has been the case for generations, Apple will continue to offer its iPhones in two tiers, with a standard pair accompanied by two Pro models. Each pair will be differentiated by size, but will have similar core specifications.

iPhone 17 could look similar from the front

The Pro versions will have better components, including a faster processor and better cameras, while the standard models will gain most of the features of the previous generation's Pro models. 

It is currently expected that there will be the Pro and Pro Max versions as usual, but the standard versions may differ. 

Due to ongoing low proportional sales of the Plus models versus the rest of the group, Apple is rumored to switch it out for a new concept. Instead of just making a larger Plus version of the standard release, Apple could instead bring out the iPhone 17 Slim. 

As the name indicates, the Slim will be a thinner version, though no-one knows exactly how thin. For reference, the iPhone SE is 0.29 inches whereas the M4 iPad Pro is 0.20 inches thick.

iPhone 17 could get thinner the same way iPad Pro did

Because of the thin enclosure, there's a higher potential for the Slim model to bend compared to thicker versions. Rumors point to the use of a titanium-aluminum alloy to add strength to the frame.

Apple is rumored to be looking into switching back to aluminum for the pro models' frames. Titanium is used to keep the frame light but durable and it is unclear why Apple would move away from the material.

iPhone 17 Displays

Normally, Apple will use two different screen sizes for its flagship smartphones. With the introduction of the Slim, that may change to three. 

Rumors have said that, alongside the 6.1-inch screens of the iPhone 17 model, and the 6.9-inch of the Pro Max, the Slim will be between the two. Thought to be closer to the Pro Max sizing, it's expected to be 6.6 inches in size. 

Other changes to the display have also been offered, affecting all of the range. 

iPhone 17 should have a more scratch-resistant screen

For example, Corning is allegedly working on new harder glass that can perform better than Ceramic Shield displays in withstanding scratches. These same glass panels may also be more anti-reflective than previously produced. 

Always-on displays, a trait of the iPhone 15 Pro models, may also move over to the standard editions, meaning all models will offer always-on functionality. 

There has also been the claim that ProMotion will finally be available on all iPhone 17 models. However, since this is often referred to as a Pro-specific feature, that seems dubious. 

iPhone 17 Cameras

So far, rumors about the new models have been about smaller features rather than major changes to the arrangement from the iPhone 16 generation.

The exception is the iPhone 17 Slim, which is proposed to have only one camera, instead of the two or three of the other models. This is due to the constraints of creating a thinner device that still needs to fit in the same components as a slightly thicker model. 

The iPhone 17 Pro and standard models could have variable apertures

For the rear cameras, it has been proposed that the 2025 models will have adjustable apertures. The benefit is that users will be able to play with bokeh, the background blurriness, of a shot in-camera instead of computationally afterwards. 

Variable apertures would also be interesting with Camera Control, which could adjust the aperture by sliding the finger.

A seemingly obvious report claims that the tetraprism lens used for the Telephoto camera won't make its way to non-pro iPhone 17 models, and definitely not the iPhone 17 Slim.

A leaker suggested Apple would shift to a horizontal bar on pro models with three cameras going across, but that was quickly shot down by more reliable sources. Instead, Apple will stick with the triangle shape.

The front camera may also get a few upgrades. Instead of a 12-megapixel sensor, the front could use a larger 24-megapixel version. 

iPhone 17 A19

Following the established pattern, Apple will use a "Pro" variant of its A19 chip with its Pro models, and the A19 for the standard edition smartphones. 

Apple may also switch out the lens arrangement for a new one, going from a five-element plastic lens to a six-element edition. 

A motherboard change could reduce the weight of the iPhone 17 generation.

To end users, the difference could mean one or two more cores in the Pro chip versus non-Pro, or some other form of performance or feature boost. 

The A19 is anticipated to be the first to be released using TSMC's 2-nanometer production process. The die shrink offers multiple benefits, including power savings, improved heat dissipation, and a physically smaller size. 

To go with the new chip, Apple could improve te amount of onboard memory. While the iPhone 16 uses 8GB of memory, the iPhone 17's Pro models may be upped to 12GB. 

iPhone 17's Motherboard

An internal component change could end up making the iPhone 17 marginally lighter for users.

Apple is rumored to switch its motherboard production to a technique known as Resin Coated Copper. Using a laminate material instead of a bonding sheet, it will use deposited resin and laser ablation-carved copper to create the board. 

This should result in a thinner motherboard, as well as one that will be easier to drill due to the lack of fiberglass. This will also help marginally reduce the time of production for Apple's supply chain, and possibly construction cost too.

Apple is also looking to shift to more house made components like the modem and Wi-Fi radio. It hopes to reduce its reliance on third-party manufacturers further like when it shifted to Apple Silicon in Mac.

iOS 19

Apple will reveal iOS 19 during WWDC 2025 and it could likely continue the emphasis on Apple Intelligence. Since the iPhone 16 lineup all have access to Apple's AI, it is likely that iOS 19 will add more features that could be enhanced by better specs in iPhone 17.

Apple Intelligence will play a big role in iPhone 17's launch

Rumors suggest Apple will reveal a new LLM-based Siri alongside iOS 19. While the biggest part of Siri is server-side, there's a good chance the A19 chipsets could have special on-device tie-ins to the new chatbot.

iPhone 17 Release Date

There are no rumors about a change to Apple's well-established release schedule for the iPhone 17 generation. That means you'll still expect its introduction in early September 2025, with a release probably later that same month.