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The Apple iPhone 16 series is still fresh on the market, but rumors about the iPhone 17 lineup are already gaining momentum. Expected to launch in September 2025, the iPhone 17 could feature Apple’s most significant design overhaul since the iPhone X in 2017. Speculation surrounding the iPhone 17 suggests that Apple may discontinue the Plus model due to a lack of consumer interest.
Major updates to the design, camera, and performance are anticipated for this upcoming release. Here’s everything we know so far about the exciting iPhone 17 rumors.
Rumored Features of the iPhone 17
If history is any guide, the iPhone 17 series is expected to make its debut in September 2025, following the pattern of previous releases. Rumors suggest that Apple could shake things up by introducing an entirely new model in the lineup.
Next year, we might see the launch of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and potentially new Air or Slim variants. As the name suggests, the Air/Slim variant will boast a sleek, lightweight design and could potentially replace the Plus model in the iPhone lineup.
Design of iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to stand out primarily due to its design. According to the information, Apple is placing a stronger emphasis on aesthetics rather than functionality with this new model. As a result, we can expect a dramatically different design compared to the current iPhone models, albeit with less advanced hardware and fewer features.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will be significantly thinner than previous models. Unlike the iPhone Pro versions, which use more premium materials, the iPhone 17 Air may be made of aluminum. However, Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 17 Air could feature a combination of titanium and aluminum, striking a balance between durability and lightweight design.
Display
The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to feature a 6.6-inch screen, according to Ming-Chi Kuo and analyst Jeff Pu. The anticipated resolution for the display is around 2,740 x 1,260 pixels. However, Ross Young, a trusted expert, predicts the screen size to be slightly smaller at 6.55 inches. The display will likely support ProMotion with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals.
According to The Information, the upcoming iPhone 17 Air may also have a smaller hole and pill-shaped cutout for its front-facing camera and sensors. This change could be due to the new metalens technology Apple is developing, which may allow for a more compact Face ID sensor. Jeff Pu further suggests that this technology will enable Apple to reduce the size of the Face ID sensor significantly.
Additionally, a rumor from Weibo in March indicated that Apple is working on a new coating technology for its iPhone displays, which may debut with the iPhone 17 series. The upgrade is expected to include an anti-reflection layer and a more scratch-resistant screen, enhancing durability and visual clarity.
Performance
| Feature | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 Pro Models |
| Chip | A19 | A19 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Fabrication Process | 3nm (N3P upgrade) | 3nm (N3P upgrade) |
| Performance Notes | Expected to offer good performance | Higher performance due to the A19 Pro chip |
| TSMC’s 2nm Process | Not expected until 2026 | Not expected until 2026 |
Camera
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Slim will feature a single rear camera, marking a significant design shift. Currently, the iPhone 16 includes two cameras, while the iPhone 16 Pro has three. In an effort to create the sleekest and lightest iPhone 17 Air, Apple may sacrifice the dual-camera setup for a more minimalistic design.
Speculation also points to the iPhone 17 Air’s rear camera using the same 48MP sensor found in the recently released iPhone 16 models. Additionally, all iPhone 17 models are expected to feature a 24MP front-facing camera, a notable upgrade from the previous 12MP sensor.
According to reports, the rear camera on the iPhone 17 Air might be repositioned from the top left corner to the top center, a significant departure from the usual camera placement seen in past iPhones.
Modem
The iPhone 17 Air may be one of the first devices to feature Apple’s proprietary 5G modem, which has been in development to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. While Apple’s modem is expected to debut in the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025, Ming-Chi Kuo suggests it will also power the iPhone 17 Air. The modem will support multiple networks like 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
However, this modem will not support mmWave 5G, which provides extremely fast speeds in select areas, resulting in a maximum speed of around 4 GB/s — lower than Qualcomm’s non-mmWave 5G modems.
Rumored Price of iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air could potentially be priced higher than the iPhone Pro Max, with some estimates suggesting it may start at $1,300 or more, considering the iPhone Pro Max is priced at $1,200.
However, some analysts predict that the iPhone 17 Slim will introduce a fresh design and serve as a replacement for the iPhone Plus model. It remains unclear whether this replacement refers to price, screen size, or another feature.
On the other hand, there are also reports indicating that the iPhone 17 Air will likely be priced lower than the Pro models, suggesting it could replace the iPhone Plus, which starts at $899.
Expected Release Date of iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 series is currently slated for announcement and release in September 2025. However, this timeline may change depending on production and supply chain factors.
