As the tech world eagerly anticipates Apple’s next big release, the iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Expected to launch in September 2025, the iPhone 17 series promises significant design changes, advanced technology, and a new model that could redefine Apple’s smartphone offerings. Here’s a comprehensive look at everything we know about the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the much-talked-about iPhone 17 Air, based on the latest leaks, rumors, and analyst insights.
Release Date and Availability
Apple has a well-established pattern of unveiling its flagship iPhones in the first half of September, typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the second week of the month. Based on this trend, the iPhone 17 series is expected to be announced around September 8–10, 2025, with pre-orders likely starting on Friday, September 12, and devices hitting stores on September 19. This aligns with previous launches, such as the iPhone 16 on September 9, 2024, and the iPhone 15 on September 5, 2023.
However, there’s a twist on the horizon. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and reports from The Information suggest that the iPhone 17 lineup could be the last to follow Apple’s traditional fall release schedule. Starting with the iPhone 18 in 2026, Apple may split its launches, with lower-cost models (such as the iPhone 18 and a potential iPhone 18e) debuting in the spring and higher-end Pro and Air models launching in the fall. For now, though, the iPhone 17 series is expected to stick to the September timeline.
Models and Lineup
Apple is expected to release four models in 2025: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new iPhone 17 Air. Notably, the iPhone 17 Plus is rumored to be discontinued due to its limited popularity, with the iPhone 17 Air set to take its place as a fresh addition to the lineup. There’s also been speculation about an iPhone 17 Ultra, but this rumor has surfaced in past cycles (for the iPhone 15 and 16) and remains unconfirmed, making it less likely.
The iPhone 17 Air, also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim in some leaks, is generating significant buzz for its ultra-thin design, positioning it as a premium yet distinct option compared to the Pro models. This new model is not a direct replacement for the Plus but rather a bold step toward a new category of iPhone.
Design Innovations
iPhone 17 Air: The Thinnest iPhone Ever
The iPhone 17 Air is poised to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, with a chassis measuring approximately 5.5–6mm thick (excluding the camera bump, which may be up to 9.5mm). This surpasses the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm thickness, which currently holds the record as Apple’s slimmest iPhone. To achieve this svelte design, Apple is reportedly using a titanium-aluminum alloy to keep the weight around 145 grams, significantly lighter than other models.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a downgrade from the dual-camera setups on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, to maintain its slim profile. The camera will reportedly be centered on the back, a departure from the traditional upper-left placement, creating a distinctive aesthetic reminiscent of some Android designs. Dummy models also suggest a simplified speaker grille with two holes on either side of the USB-C port, which is slightly off-center to accommodate internal components. The device will retain MagSafe charging, a Camera Control button, and an Action Button.
The display size is rumored to be around 6.6 inches, positioning the Air between the iPhone 17 Pro (6.3 inches) and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9 inches). There’s conflicting information about Dynamic Island, with analyst Jeff Pu suggesting a smaller version enabled by metalens technology for Face ID. At the same time, Ming-Chi Kuo believes it will remain unchanged.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: A Return to Aluminum
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to undergo a significant design overhaul, marking a departure from the titanium frames used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models. According to The Information, Apple may switch to an aluminum frame with a partially aluminum, partially glass back. The top half of the back will be aluminum for improved durability, while the bottom half will remain glass to support wireless charging. This shift is surprising, as Apple had previously marketed titanium as a premium, lightweight material, and aluminum hadn’t been used in high-end iPhones since the iPhone X in 2017. However, one leak suggests the Pro Max might retain its titanium frame.
The Pro models are also rumored to feature a larger, rectangular aluminum camera bump with rounded corners, replacing the square glass bump of current models. While some leaks describe an “elongated oval” or “pill-shaped” camera module with a horizontal lens arrangement, others maintain that the traditional triangular lens layout will persist. This redesign could give the Pro models a look similar to Google’s Pixel series.
Standard iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches, matching the size of the iPhone 16 Pro. It will likely retain an aluminum frame, consistent with recent non-Pro models, and feature two vertically stacked rear camera lenses. Rumors suggest that it will also gain advanced display features, such as ProMotion and always-on display, previously exclusive to Pro models.
Display Upgrades
All iPhone 17 models are expected to feature LTPO displays, enabling ProMotion (up to 120Hz refresh rates) and always-on functionality across the lineup. This marks a significant upgrade for non-Pro models, which are currently limited to 60Hz refresh rates. The Pro models may support 120Hz, while the standard iPhone 17 and Air might use 90Hz or 120Hz, though this remains uncertain. Samsung’s M14 panel, rumored for use in the iPhone 17, is reportedly 30% brighter than the M13 panel, enhancing visibility and efficiency. Additionally, Low-Dielectric TEE technology could enhance battery life and display durability.
The iPhone 17 Air’s display is expected to measure 6.6–6.65 inches, while the standard iPhone 17 will have a 6.3-inch display, and the Pro Max will retain its 6.9-inch size. The standard model features a Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, providing sharp, vibrant visuals.
Performance and Hardware
Chipset
The iPhone 17 series is expected to feature Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, which is built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process for improved performance and efficiency. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to use the A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max models will likely get the more powerful A19 Pro chip. The Air and Pro models are rumored to have 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the iPhone 16 series, which enhances Apple’s Intelligence performance and multitasking capabilities. The standard iPhone 17 may stick with 8GB or upgrade to 12GB, depending on conflicting reports.
Connectivity
All iPhone 17 models are expected to feature an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, replacing Broadcom’s chips, for faster and more reliable connectivity. The iPhone 17 Air may also include Apple’s new C1 modem, introduced with the iPhone 16e, for improved 5G performance.
Battery and Charging
Battery life for the iPhone 17 Air is a point of concern, with The Information reporting that only 60–70% of users may get through a whole day without charging, compared to 80–90% for other models. It’s rumored that the 2,800mAh battery is smaller than most, similar to the iPhone 12’s capacity. Apple may offer a battery case to compensate, though this would negate the Air’s thinness. The Pro Max, however, could see a larger battery due to a slightly thicker design (8.725mm vs. 8.25mm for the iPhone 16 Pro Max). All models are expected to support up to 35W wired charging, unchanged from current models.
Camera Enhancements
The iPhone 17 series is set to receive significant camera upgrades:
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: These models are rumored to feature a trio of 48-megapixel cameras (primary, ultra-wide, and telephoto), with the telephoto lens upgraded from the current 12-megapixel sensor. This could enable 8K video recording, a first for iPhones, as well as dual video recording using the front and rear cameras simultaneously. A mechanical aperture is also rumored for at least one model, likely the Pro Max, allowing for greater control over light and depth of field, similar to some Android phones.
- iPhone 17 Air: Expected to have a single 48-megapixel rear camera centered on the back to maintain its slim design.
- Standard iPhone 17: Likely to retain a dual-camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary lens and advanced features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Deep Fusion.
- Front Camera: All models are expected to feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, doubling the resolution of the iPhone 16’s 12-megapixel selfie camera.
Colors and Pricing
The iPhone 17 Pro models may introduce a new “Sky Blue” color, similar to the M4 MacBook Air, alongside other options like Teal Titanium, Green Titanium, and Dark Green Titanium. The standard iPhone 17 could see a vibrant palette, including a purple option that was rumored for the iPhone 16.
Pricing remains uncertain due to potential U.S. tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump, which could impose a 25% tax on iPhones manufactured outside the U.S. (Apple has shifted much of its production to India). The standard iPhone 17 is expected to start at around $799, similar to the iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 Air could start at $899, matching the iPhone 16 Plus, though earlier rumors suggested a higher $1,299 price point. The Pro and Pro Max models may see a price hike due to increased component costs and new features, starting at $1,099 and $1,199, respectively.
Software and Additional Features
The iPhone 17 series will likely ship with iOS 19 (or possibly iOS 26, if Apple adopts a new year-based naming convention). While iOS 18 introduced Apple Intelligence, these AI features are expected to mature by 2026, so the iPhone 17 may not be a significant AI powerhouse at launch. Other features include improved cooling for better heat dissipation across all models and a new button design on the Pro models, which may combine the Action Button and volume keys into a single control.
Looking Ahead
The iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to be a landmark release for Apple, with the iPhone 17 Air stealing the spotlight as the thinnest iPhone ever. Its sleek design comes with trade-offs, like a single rear camera and potentially weaker battery life, but it could set a new standard for premium smartphones. Meanwhile, the Pro models promise advanced camera systems and a bold material shift to aluminum, while the standard iPhone 17 brings Pro-level display features to a broader audience. With potential price increases due to tariffs and Apple’s focus on justifying costs with new features, the iPhone 17 series could redefine expectations when it launches in September 2025.
