The exact design details of the iPhone 17 lineup are a closely guarded secret: Apple never releases any information about upcoming products until they are unveiled at special product launch events.
However, leaks and rumors suggest Apple is gearing up for some of the biggest design changes in the iPhone’s history with its upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in September 2025. As anticipation builds, here’s a detailed overview of what we can expect from this new series.
The iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to consist of four models:
Notably, Apple is discontinuing the “Plus” model in favor of the new Air variant, which aims to offer a thinner design without compromising on performance or features.
Historically, Apple has reserved more vivid colors for its non-Pro models, such as the bright pinks and aquamarine options seen in the iPhone 16 series. The introduction of brighter colors in the Pro lineup would mark a notable change in Apple’s design philosophy, suggesting a willingness to cater to a broader audience seeking personalization in their devices
While these color options are still speculative and subject to change as we approach the official launch, the potential inclusion of vibrant hues like Teal and Dark Green could make the iPhone 17 lineup stand out in a crowded market. As always with Apple, official confirmation will come closer to the release date.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to showcase a sleeker design, with the iPhone 17 Air featuring a significantly thinner profile compared to its predecessors. The standard iPhone 17 may see an increase in display size from 6.1 inches to approximately 6.3 inches, while the Air model could measure around 6.6 inches. The Pro models are anticipated to return to aluminum frames combined with a half-glass, half-aluminum back for enhanced durability.
Based on rumors, a Russian YouTube channel created photorealistic renders that reveal what Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max — the lineup’s top-tier model — could look like.
For the first time is several years, the iPhone 17 lineup won’t look like the previous year’s model with a just few tweaks. According to rumors reflected in the new renders, 2025 will bring a substantial redesign.
One of the most exciting updates is the potential introduction of ProMotion technology across all models, allowing for a smoother scrolling experience with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This feature, previously exclusive to Pro models, will enhance user experience significantly by enabling always-on functionality and better video playback
Apple is expected to enhance its camera technology significantly:
The entire iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, built on a refined 3-nanometer process, promising improved performance and energy efficiency. The Pro models are expected to come with 12GB of RAM, while the standard and Air versions will have 8GB, catering to both casual users and power users alike.
With advancements in connectivity, the iPhone 17 series is set to support Wi-Fi 7, which will provide faster wireless connections and improved data transmission speeds. This enhancement will be particularly beneficial for users engaged in streaming and gaming activities.
Apple is reportedly collaborating with Corning to introduce a new anti-reflective coating that is tougher and more scratch-resistant than the existing Ceramic Shield. This upgrade aims to enhance screen durability, addressing concerns about wear and tear over time.
While pricing details remain speculative, it’s likely that Apple will maintain similar price points as the iPhone 16 series. The anticipated starting prices could be around:
Pre-orders are expected to commence shortly after a September 2025 announcement, with shipping likely starting a week later.
The iPhone 17 lineup promises substantial upgrades across design, performance, camera technology, and connectivity features. As Apple continues its tradition of innovation, the anticipation surrounding these devices highlights their potential impact on the smartphone market in 2025. With significant enhancements expected across all models, Apple fans have much to look forward to later this year.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air might be slimmer than initially rumored. All reports suggested the phone could have a 6mm thin waistline.
However, a reputed Apple analyst believes the iPhone 17 Air will measure just 5.5mm at its thinnest point.
Apple might not make meaningful camera hardware improvements to its Pro iPhones this year. The iPhone 17 Pro will supposedly stick to the same 48MP primary shooter as the current flagship iPhone.
The only notable camera improvement on this year’s iPhone would be the switch to a 48MP sensor for the 5x tetraprism shooter.
Imagine a Siri capable of opening your preferred email client on your iPhone and sending an important email seamlessly. Picture an Apple-branded smart home hub, elegantly wall-mounted in your kitchen, equipped with Apple Intelligence for instant access to smart home controls and a conversational voice assistant. Envision an iPhone just 6mm thin, standing out for its ultra-sleek, stylish design.
All of this could turn into a reality in 2025, with Apple already working on these devices and services for launch next year.
The 2025 iPhone lineup is going to see one of the biggest design shakeups in the product’s history. Not only will there be an entirely new model — the super-slim iPhone 17 Air — the Pro phones are getting the first all-new design in years, with a radical new camera array that’s sure to polarize opinion. Plus, the entry-level models and the iPhone SE are getting lots of worthy trickle-down upgrades.
It’s going to be a very exciting year. Here’s what 2025 has in store for the iPhone.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Some new iPhone 17 Pro renders make us ponder whether Apple will (or should) create such a device. We discuss the pros, cons and alternative theories.
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Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
With purported details of the iPhone 17 Pro Max appearing online many months before the device’s launch, a Russian YouTube channel prepared renders that reveal what Apple’s next top-tier handset could look like.
Don’t expect last year’s model with a just few tweaks. According to rumors reflected in the new renders, 2025 will bring a substantial redesign.
The iPhone 17 Air price could come in lower than previously rumored. A new report sheds additional light on Apple’s slimmer-than-usual iPhone, which is expected to launch in September 2025.
The device apparently will help Apple revive growth, impressing potential customers with its sleek design.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With a slightly smarter Siri on the way in iOS 18.4, a new rumor indicates Apple might actually fix Siri once and for all … in 2026! We discuss the “LLM Siri” that supposedly will catch up with ChatGPT and other chatty competitors.
But the question remains: Can Apple really afford to wait that long to make its AI assistant less of a laughingstock?
Also on The CultCast:
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Apple could make big design changes to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max next year. One such change would be the surprising decision to ditch the Pro models’ titanium edges for aluminum.
A new report also suggests the Pro models will switch to an aluminum camera bump, replacing the current 3D glass design.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air could be even thinner than initially rumored. A new report on Monday details many of the slim iPhone’s features, revealing several design compromises Apple would make for thinness.
This includes ditching the SIM slot and switching to eSIM, even in units sold outside the US.
The rumored iPhone 17 Air might measure just 6mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. The device reportedly will use an A19 chip fabricated on TSMC’s newer 3nm node.
The new process node should allow for higher transistor density, leading to better performance and efficiency.
Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air for 2025 could use a new A19 chip and a single rear camera. It would seemingly sport an all-new, slimmer design.
Rumors suggest Apple will shake up its iPhone 17 lineup next year, ditching the Plus model in favor of this “Air” model.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We finally know exactly when Apple’s iPhone 16 event will happen. It’s “Glowtime” on September 9 … and now it’s time to talk about what’s in store.
Also on The CultCast:
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Apple will seemingly continue offering enhanced specs on its Pro Max iPhone to differentiate it from other models. As a part of the strategy, the company might only equip the iPhone 17 Pro Max with 12GB RAM in 2025.
Additionally, the phone will feature an upgraded cooling system. This system will use a combination of a vapor chamber and graphite sheets for better thermal efficiency.
Leaks tell us Apple is prepping a super-slim version of next year’s iPhone 17 without all the features of the Pro models but with a price that’ll make it the most expensive in the lineup. These reports left many of us skeptical. Would anyone pay more for a slim-but-stripped-down iPhone?
But let’s change the rumor slightly — what if Apple is prepping a super-slim iOS handset that folds? If the recent leaks are actually about the iPhone 17 Fold, they make a lot more sense.
Apple could use 24MP front cameras across its iPhone 17 lineup in 2025. This will even include the rumored new “iPhone 17 Slim,” which supposedly will stand out with its sleek and slim design.
As per a new analyst report, the new selfie camera might use a six-element plastic lens.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest rumors about a premium “iPhone 17 Slim” leave us scratching our heads. Thickness aside, it sounds like it will bring less of almost everything. Will you pay more for an iPhone Air?
Also on The CultCast:
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Apple could finally move away from Qualcomm modems as soon as 2025. The company reportedly plans to use its in-house 5G modem on two iPhones due to launch next year.
The company’s in-house baseband will debut on the iPhone SE 4, which rumors indicate should launch in Q1 2025. The iPhone 17 ‘Slim’ will follow suit in the third quarter of the year.
iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus will have the same type of screen as the Pro versions, according to a new report. That means all four 2025 iOS handsets will offer 120Hz ProMotion, always-on displays.
If true, it means Apple will have to come up with new ways to differentiate its top-tier models.