- Apple will launch four iPhone 17 models on September 9, including a new iPhone 17 Air.
- All models are expected to feature 120Hz OLED displays.
- Pro models will get A19 Pro chips, 12GB RAM, and upgraded 48MP telephoto cameras.
- The iPhone 17 Air could debut Apple’s in-house 5G modem and a super-thin design.
Apple is preparing for its big September 9 event, and anticipation is building around the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. This year, Apple is not just upgrading the familiar models but also introducing a brand-new member to the family. The iPhone 17 series is expected to bring noticeable design changes, improved displays, smarter cameras, and upgraded performance across the board.
Industry leaks, consistent patterns from past launches, and insights from analysts are all pointing in one direction: the iPhone 17 series could be one of Apple’s most significant refreshes in years. Here is everything you need to know about what may arrive next week.
Four Models, One Surprise Addition
Apple will reportedly announce four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air. The Air is expected to replace the Plus variant, signaling a shift in Apple’s strategy.
The iPhone 17 Air could easily become the most talked-about device of the year. Rumors suggest it will be Apple’s thinnest phone ever at around 5.5 millimeters, slimmer even than many of today’s premium Android competitors. To achieve this thin design, Apple is said to be making some sacrifices, including offering just a single 48MP rear camera. Despite that compromise, the Air could appeal strongly to fans who value elegance and portability.
Meanwhile, the Pro and Pro Max are expected to carry Apple’s flagship status forward with the most advanced hardware and camera systems, while the base iPhone 17 will serve as the accessible model in the lineup.
Displays and Design: Sharper, Smoother, and Sleeker
One of the most welcome upgrades this year may be the displays. For the first time, all four iPhone 17 models are tipped to feature 120Hz OLED panels. Apple had reserved this feature for Pro models in the past, but 2025 may mark the year high refresh rates become standard across the lineup.
Screen sizes are expected to remain familiar: 6.1 inches for the iPhone 17, 6.7 inches for the iPhone 17 Air, 6.3 inches for the Pro, and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Resolutions are also set to match last year’s models, keeping the sharpness Apple fans are used to.
Leaked renders suggest Apple may take inspiration from its earlier devices by experimenting with a horizontal camera bar across the back. Combined with a new two-tone finish, the iPhone 17 series could look distinctly different from the iPhone 16. Reports also suggest the Pro Max may feature subtle refinements to its frame and materials, focusing on durability without adding weight.
Power and Performance: A19 Chips Take Center Stage
At the heart of the iPhone 17 series will be Apple’s next-generation processors. The standard iPhone 17 and Air are rumored to run on the new A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max will use the more advanced A19 Pro. The latter is expected to deliver stronger GPU performance, making Pro models particularly appealing for gaming, photography, and video editing.
Alongside the processors, memory upgrades are on the horizon. The Pro and Pro Max are widely expected to jump to 12GB of RAM, a move that will benefit multitasking and future software features. The Air and standard iPhone 17 are likely to remain at 8GB.
One of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes may arrive in the Air. Reports indicate it could debut Apple’s long-awaited in-house 5G modem, paired with Wi-Fi 7 support. This would make the Air the first iPhone to step away from Qualcomm modems entirely, a milestone Apple has been working toward for years.
Cameras: More Megapixels and Smarter Shooting
Apple’s focus on imaging is not slowing down. Across all four iPhone 17 models, the front camera is expected to see a significant jump from 12MP to 24MP. Selfies and video calls will look sharper than ever, and this upgrade alone could excite many users.
On the back, the story varies by model. The iPhone 17 will likely retain its dual-lens setup with a 48MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide sensor. The Air, as mentioned, may only include a single 48MP lens, sacrificing versatility in the name of design.
The Pro and Pro Max will once again lead the way with three cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and a major upgrade to the telephoto lens, which could jump from 12MP to 48MP. This means telephoto shots will carry far more detail than before. Zoom capabilities remain in question, with conflicting reports suggesting anything from 3.5x to 8x optical zoom. Most observers expect Apple to stick with the existing 5x zoom for now.
Additional features are rumored to include mechanical aperture adjustments, improved low-light shooting, and support for dual video capture. Video enthusiasts may also see 8K recording introduced on Pro models, putting Apple head-to-head with competitors who have already embraced ultra-high-resolution video.
Batteries, Charging, and Everyday Use
Battery life is always a key concern, and Apple may have different strategies across the lineup. The iPhone 17 Air, being so slim, will likely carry a smaller battery, with reports suggesting under 3,000mAh. Still, advances in efficiency could balance this limitation.
The iPhone 17 is expected to keep at least a 3,561mAh capacity, while the Pro may exceed last year’s 3,582mAh. The Pro Max could see the biggest leap, possibly hitting 5,000mAh for the first time in an iPhone. This would put it more in line with large-screen Android flagships.
Charging speeds may also see improvement. Some reports suggest Apple is working on 25W wireless charging and may finally enable reverse wireless charging on Pro models, allowing users to top up accessories like AirPods directly from the phone.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 17 series on September 9, with pre-orders likely to begin on September 12 and sales kicking off on September 19. This launch schedule fits Apple’s familiar playbook.
Pricing is expected to rise slightly compared to last year. The base iPhone 17 may start around $799, while the Air could slot in at roughly $899. The Pro is likely to start above $999, with the Pro Max commanding the highest price point, especially at 1TB storage. Regional variations are expected, but the general trend is upward.
The Bigger Picture
Apple’s iPhone 17 series represents a mix of refinement and risk. The Pro models are doubling down on performance and cameras, the standard iPhone 17 is adopting features once locked behind higher price tags, and the Air is rewriting the rules for iPhone design.
If leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 17 family may not just deliver incremental changes but mark a new chapter in Apple’s approach to design, connectivity, and display technology.
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