Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup may include Air and Pro models with new features.
Everything rumored so far about Apple’s new iPhones, broken down by model.
iPhone 17 Series Expectations vs. Reality. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Feature iPhone 17 iPhone 17 Air iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro Max
120Hz refresh rate Expected Expected Yes Yes
Faster charging Expected Expected Expected Expected
24 MP selfie camera Expected Expected Expected Expected
48 MP telephoto camera No No Expected Expected
8K video recording No No Expected Expected
12 GB of RAM Expected Expected Expected Expected
5.4mm body No Expected No No
Bigger 6.3-inch display Expected No No No
Titanium frame No Expected No No
Single 48 MP rear camera No Expected No No
A19 chipset Expected Expected No No
A19 Pro chipset No No Expected Expected
Apple's C1 cellular modem No Expected No No
Apple's Wi-Fi 7 chipset No No Expected Expected
Improved cooling No No Expected Expected
New design No Yes Expected Expected
Tougher, glare-free display No No Expected Expected
iPhone 17
Bigger 6.3-inch display
120Hz refresh rate
24 MP selfie camera
12 GB of RAM
Faster charging
The standard iPhone may receive a frequently requested upgrade: a 120Hz ProMotion display. Since the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, Apple has kept this feature exclusive to Pro models, but it now seems the base iPhone 17 may also get it. This means smoother scrolling and potentially up to 120fps in compatible apps.
The screen is also expected to increase in size. At 6.27 inches, it will be the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro, with smaller bezels making the size increase possible.
A 24 MP front camera across the entire lineup is another significant change. Since the iPhone 11, Apple's selfie camera has remained at 12 MP, making this a much-needed upgrade.
Rumors suggest that all models will have 12 GB of RAM this year, which could improve Apple Intelligence and potential new camera capabilities.
Apple is also reportedly working on a new MagSafe charger that could increase charging rates to 45W, which is almost twice the current 25W limit. This improvement is possible because of Qi 2.2, the newest wireless charging standard that Apple seems to be implementing.
Also check out: iPhone 17 specs: What might be better this September?
iPhone 17 Air
Thinnest iPhone ever
12 GB of RAM
Titanium frame
Apple's C1 cellular modem
A19 chipset
120Hz refresh rate
Faster charging
Single 48 MP rear camera
Following the disappointing performance of the Mini and Plus iPhones, Apple is trying again with the iPhone 17 Air. This new model is expected to be Apple's thinnest iPhone ever, measuring only 5.4mm. While incredibly thin, this does involve some compromises.
To begin with, the Air might only have one back camera as opposed to the usual dual setup. The battery is also expected to be smaller, at roughly 2,800mAh, which is lower than current flagship standards.
However, not all features are compromised. Despite its ultra-slim design, the Air will have a 6.6-inch display, making it bigger than the regular iPhone 17. The 24 MP selfie camera upgrade will also be included.
The iPhone 17 Air may be the only model to include Apple's C1 cellular modem, which initially appeared in the iPhone 16e, which aids in saving space inside the slim frame. While reports suggest that the Pro models may not use titanium this year, the Air may really be the one to retain it.
Also check out: iPhone 17 Air: 7 game-changing features expected on September 9
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
New telephoto camera
8K video recording
Faster charging
A19 Pro chipset
Improved cooling
New selfie camera
New design
Tougher, glare-free display
Apple's own Wi-Fi 7 chip
As is customary, the Pro models receive the most significant improvements.
Although the camera configuration is still triple-lens, the camera island has been redesigned to span nearly the entire width of the back. The new design has more space between the lenses, flash, and LiDAR sensor, probably as a result of updated internal hardware.
The telephoto lens is the primary highlight, with speculations of an upgrade from 12 MP to 48 MP on the Pro variants. This should enable up to 10x lossless zoom and considerably improved performance in low-light or long-range circumstances with a periscope-style arrangement.
Video is also being improved. Apple may finally enable 8K recording on the Pro versions, a long-awaited advancement for producers who desire ultra-high-resolution video.
Durability is also being improved. The new Pro versions may have a more durable screen with an anti-reflective coating, providing enhanced scratch resistance, reduced outdoor glare, and enhanced drop protection.
Furthermore, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to have an enhanced cooling system that includes a vapor chamber and a graphite sheet. This design aims to regulate temperatures during heavy use, particularly when using demanding AI features and chips that consume a lot of power.
Also check out: The iPhone 17 Pro is coming next month – here are 12 changes you’ll want to know about