Apple iPhone 17 released on September 9, what's new and expectations?
Apple is gearing up for its next big reveal, and the iPhone 17 lineup is already generating major buzz.
Although the iPhone 16 only recently hit the market, attention has quickly shifted to what’s coming next. Expected to debut in September 2025, the iPhone 17 series is rumored to introduce four models — including a brand-new iPhone 17 Air replacing the current Plus model. Leaks suggest significant camera upgrades for the Pro models, a redesigned rear case across the lineup, and possibly a major shake-up in Apple’s release strategy.
Whatever the case, the details are very nearly ready to be revealed. Now that we know when the keynote will be, that is the next big event on the calendar. There will be rumors and leaks before then, but on the big day, September 9, we'll find out everything about the new iPhones. Until then, we think we'll see four new iPhones: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and an all-new super-slim iPhone. We won't know the name until Apple announces it, but the consensus is it could be called iPhone 17 Air, which is a good name.
It's possible that next year will be very different. As Alex Lee at The Independent points out, "This is also predicted to be the last year before Apple shifts its iPhone release strategy completely". According to The Information and reliable leaker Ming-Chi Kuo, starting next year, Apple will no longer release every iPhone in September. Instead, and this still surprises me, it's reported that next fall we'll see a different range of phones in 2026. "Apple will only be releasing the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air and the all-new iPhone 18 Fold in September 2026. There won't be a base iPhone 18 at all. Instead, it will be booted to the spring and unveiled alongside the iPhone 18e in 2027," the same report suggests. There's plenty of time to see if this rumor is correct.
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Returning to this year, there will also be two new Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Could there be a new Apple Watch SE? It's not impossible, but there's little indication of that. Plus, it seems it may be time for new AirPods, specifically the AirPods Pro 3.
Adding to the speculation, Apple’s latest event invitation — marked by bold blue and orange hues — has analysts searching for clues about headline features. Could this be Apple’s most ambitious iPhone launch yet? Here’s a clear look at what’s confirmed, what’s rumored, and what to expect on launch day.
iPhone 17 Predictions: An In-depth Look
While the iPhone 16 has just arrived, the rumor mill was already buzzing for months about what was coming next. Expected in September 2025, the iPhone 17 lineup is predicted to bring several intriguing updates to the smartphone series.
Rumors have solidified around the arrival of four devices, with a new "iPhone 17 Air" model replacing the previous "Plus" model in the lineup. The "Pro" models are anticipated to receive more significant camera upgrades, and the entire series will feature a new rear case design.
A New Camera Bar Design
Instead of the typical camera bump, the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have something called a "camera bar". This bar is a shelf that extends across the entire back of the iPhone, which will allow the devices to be thinner without sacrificing camera performance.
It's expected that these aesthetic changes will help drive upgrades, even if the feature set is a relatively iterative change. A public sighting provided a major clue about this design. On July 28, a social media user shared a photo of what appeared to be an Apple employee in San Francisco using a prototype iPhone. The device was notable because, while Apple does test in public, their prototypes are usually hard to spot. This particular model was in a giant black case that obscured everything but the display, cameras, and sensors. The new camera bar was clearly visible, with the flash and LiDAR easily seen across from the cameras.
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Over the last decade of iPhone releases (excluding the iPhone X), each new generation generally looked similar to the previous one, making it less risky for people to notice a prototype. While it was almost certain that camera bars would be in the iPhone 17, this public sighting was the first real confirmation. Of course, some speculate the photo could have been staged with fake props, AI-generated to gain social media attention, or even intentionally created by Apple to generate hype. Whatever the case, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced in September as usual, when all will be revealed.
iOS 26 and the New iPhone 17
Apple did a lot of restructuring and rethinking of its operating systems during WWDC 2025. It unveiled a system-wide redesign based on a material called "Liquid Glass" and renamed every OS to version 26 . iOS 26 relies heavily on animations and graphics for the "Liquid Glass" material, which suggests Apple's confidence in its Apple Silicon chips. The material itself, and how it reflects light and color, could also hint at future device plans.
We've been referring to the next iPhone as the "iPhone 17" because it follows the iPhone 16. However, Apple could continue its naming restructure and introduce an "iPhone 26" instead. Names rarely leak, and there's no indication that such a name change is coming, but anything is possible. As Apple Silicon becomes more powerful in the iPhone, it will enable new experiences and UI designs that were not previously possible. Expect Apple to entice users with some "Liquid Glass" enhancements that are exclusive to the iPhone 17.
iPhone 17: Air, Pro, and Max
As has been the case for generations, Apple will continue to offer its iPhones in two tiers: a standard pair and two Pro models. Each pair will be differentiated by size but will have similar core specifications. The Pro versions will feature better components, including a faster processor and better cameras, while the standard models will gain most of the features from the previous generation's Pro models.
It is currently expected that the Pro and Pro Max versions will be available as usual, but the standard versions may differ. Due to consistently low proportional sales of the "Plus" models, Apple is rumored to be switching it out for a new concept. Instead of simply making a larger Plus version, Apple could instead release the iPhone 17 Air. As the name suggests, the Air will be a thinner version, although no one knows exactly how thin. For reference, the iPhone SE is 0.29 inches thick, while the M4 iPad Pro is 0.20 inches thick.
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References to a screen resolution that matches a rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo suggest Apple is indeed working on the middle-sized iPhone 17 Air. However, no information about the name or form factor was included in this small discovery. Because of the thin enclosure, there's a higher potential for the Air 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 also rumored to be looking into switching back to aluminum for the Pro models' frames. Titanium is used to keep the frame light yet durable, and it's unclear why Apple would move away from the material, so the rumor is currently seen as unlikely.
Color options rarely leak, but one source suggests Apple could bring back a sky blue option for the iPhone 17 Pro models. It could be similar to the popular Sierra Blue used in the iPhone 13 Pro.
iPhone 17 Displays
Normally, Apple uses two different screen sizes for its flagship smartphones. With the introduction of the Air, that may change to three. Rumors claim that alongside the 6.1-inch screens of the standard iPhone 17 model and the 6.9-inch of the Pro Max, the Air will be between the two. Thought to be closer in size to the Pro Max, it's expected to be 6.6 inches.
Other changes to the display have also been suggested, affecting the entire range. 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 previous versions.
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Always-on displays, a feature of the iPhone 15 Pro models, may also move to the standard editions, meaning all models will offer this functionality. There has also been a 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 focused on smaller features rather than major changes to the camera arrangement from the iPhone 16 generation. The exception is the iPhone 17 Air, which is proposed to have only one camera, instead of the two or three cameras on the other models. This is due to the constraints of creating a thinner device that still needs to fit the same components as a slightly thicker model.
For the rear cameras, it has been proposed that the 2025 models will have adjustable apertures. This would allow users to play with the bokeh (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 a finger.
A seemingly obvious report claims that the tetraprism lens used for the Telephoto camera won't make its way to the non-pro iPhone 17 models, and definitely not the iPhone 17 Air. One leaker suggested Apple would shift to a horizontal bar with three cameras on Pro models, but that was quickly shot down by more reliable sources. Instead, Apple will likely stick with the triangular shape, but still on a longer camera bar.
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Leaked images shared in January show two iPhone backs in a plastic bag. They appear to show large camera modules on the rear with a large single cutout and a bar-shaped bump—these could be the rumored iPhone Air. However, it seems odd that Apple would drop to one camera on a new flagship device when it has been heavily promoting shooting spatial video. While Apple Vision Pro is a niche product with a big price tag, every iPhone was advertised as being capable of shooting spatial video in 2024, and this would be a regression. That is, unless Apple figures out how to generate spatial video using one camera, LiDAR, and software.
The front camera may also receive some upgrades. Instead of a 12-megapixel sensor, the front could use a larger 24-megapixel version. Reliable leakers have begun corroborating the camera bar rumors, so it's possible that Apple is going to use the design in the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would retain the triangle camera formation, but the bump would extend into a bar across the entire back of the iPhone. If Apple does go with this significant design change, it would likely be for space considerations. More space for improved camera technology and more space for the battery and other components.
iPhone 17 A19 Chip
Following the established pattern, Apple will use a "Pro" variant of its A19 chip with its Pro models, and the standard 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. For end users, the difference could mean one or two more cores in the Pro chip versus the non-Pro, or some other form of performance or feature boost.
The A19 is expected to be the first chip released using TSMC's 2-nanometer production process. This die shrink offers multiple benefits, including power savings, improved heat dissipation, and a physically smaller size. To go with the new chip, Apple could also improve the 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 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 production time for Apple's supply chain and possibly construction cost as well.
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Apple is also looking to shift to more in-house components like the modem and Wi-Fi radio. It hopes to further reduce its reliance on third-party manufacturers, similar to when it shifted to Apple Silicon in Macs.
iPhone 17 Release Date and Price
Apple has revealed that there will be an event on September 9, 2025, dubbed "awe-inspiring". This will be where the iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, and other accessories are revealed. There is a lot of uncertainty around pricing at the moment due to extreme tariffs levied against nearly every country in the world by the United States. There is a lot of back and forth and no clear strategy with the tariffs, so there's no telling which ones will be in place or how high they will be when Apple reveals the new models. Estimates suggest Apple could increase the price of some models by $50 or more to compensate for the tariffs.
Device Specifications(unofficial)
|
Network |
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
|
Launch |
|
|
Announced |
Not announced yet |
|
Status |
Rumored |
|
Body |
|
|
Dimensions |
- |
|
Weight |
- |
|
Build |
Glass front, glass back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
|
SIM |
Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International) |
|
Display |
|
|
Type |
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
|
Size |
6.9 inches, 116.7 cm² (~92.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
|
Resolution |
1320 x 2868 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~458 ppi density) |
|
Protection |
Ceramic Shield glass (2025 gen) |
|
Platform |
|
|
OS |
iOS 26 |
|
Chipset |
Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) |
|
CPU |
Hexa-core |
|
GPU |
Apple GPU (6-core graphics) |
|
Memory |
|
|
Card slot |
No |
|
Internal |
256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
|
Storage |
NVMe |
|
Main Camera |
|
|
Triple |
48 MP, f/1.6, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS |
|
Features |
Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) |
|
Video |
4K@24/25/30/60/100/120fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video/audio, stereo sound recording |
|
Selfie Camera |
|
|
Single |
24 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), PDAF, OIS |
|
Features |
HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound recording |
|
Video |
4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
|
Sound |
|
|
Loudspeaker |
Yes, with stereo speakers |
|
3.5mm jack |
No |
|
Comms |
|
|
WLAN |
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, hotspot |
|
Bluetooth |
5.4, A2DP, LE |
|
Positioning |
GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
|
NFC |
Yes |
|
Radio |
No |
|
USB |
USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort |
|
Features |
|
|
Sensors |
Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
|
Other |
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip) |
|
Battery |
|
|
Type |
Li-Ion |
|
Charging |
Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min |
|
Misc |
|
|
Colors |
Black; other colors |
Early Reactions from Users
Even before Apple’s official announcement, discussions around the iPhone 17 lineup are heating up online. Some users are excited about the rumored changes, while others are expressing frustration over expected limitations:
"What's wrong with wariles only for China??, and can't do 8k☝🏾🤣🤣🤣🤣" — Sepuh Gedget
"Nobody ask about your opinions. If you stuck in 4k it's your choice. If you have 8k with 60fps or 120fps you will definitely use 8k , but unfortunately you don't have." — Anonymous
"No 8k recording, still 25w and giving useless 24fps/25fps for video recording and just check the watt of reverse charging 🤣. I will never buy it." — Anonymous
These early reactions highlight the areas fans are watching most closely — camera performance, video recording quality, and charging speeds. Whether Apple addresses these concerns will become clear once the iPhone 17 is officially revealed.
Stay Tuned for the Big Reveal
With the iPhone 17 lineup just around the corner, Apple seems ready to shake things up — from bold design changes to powerful new features. But which rumors will prove true? We’ll be covering Apple’s September 9 event in full, so stay tuned for live updates, first impressions, and everything you need to know the moment it’s announced.
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