The iPhone 17 is the 2025 model of the iPhone, the successor to the iPhone 16. It’s expected to deliver a major screen upgrade, higher-resolution cameras, faster processors, and more.
When Could the iPhone 17 Be Released?
The iPhone 17 release date has not been announced, but it’s likely to be in Fall 2025. A September release date seems like a lock.
Here’s why the rumors are growing:
- A new iPhone has arrived every year since the first iPhone. There’s no reason to think that will change this year.
- Apple is very consistent with its iPhone release dates, with the last several models dropping in September of each year.
- German website iPhone-Ticker obtained internal documents from a mobile carrier, confirming September 9 as the iPhone 17 unveiling event and September 19 as the launch day.
Is Apple Even Considering the Release of Any Kind of Phone?
A new iPhone every year is expected at this point. The first iPhone launched in 2007, and over two dozen models have arrived since then, always at least one per year. Apple hasn’t released a major new version this year (just the iPhone 16e variant in early 2025), making it highly likely that a new one is just around the corner.
Like in previous years, we expect several models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are a given. We could also see a new model called the iPhone 17 Air or Slim.
Our Thoughts on Potential iPhone 17 Features
The iPhone 17 is rumored to introduce some major upgrades to its screen, big improvements to the cameras, faster processors, and more. Here’s a summary of what’s rumored:
- Always-on ProMotion screen for all models, with screen refresh as low as 1Hz
- Better screen scratch protection
- Under-screen Face ID
- Apple A19 processor
- 48-megapixel telephoto lens and 24-megapixel selfie camera
- Better low-light photography
- New colors
- More AI features
Screen
The iPhone 17 series screen is rumored to receive three notable upgrades.
First, Mashable (among others) cites a Korean report that the iPhone 17 will get the Always-On 120Hz ProMotion screens on all models. Today, Always-On ProMotion screens are only available on Apple’s higher-priced Pro models.
ProMotion, first introduced on the 2017 iPad Pro, improves the smoothness of scrolling and video playback.
TechRadar notes that this new screen may be able to drop its refresh rate from 120Hz down to 1Hz. This would allow the phone to save significant battery life when displaying static content, like when using the Always-On screen option or StandBy.
Lastly, MacRumors shares a Chinese report that the iPhone 17 screen will use a new, “super-hard anti-reflective layer” to prevent scratches and screen damage, replacing the current ceramic shield technology.
Face ID
Ross Young, an industry analyst with Display Supply Chain Consultants, says that the iPhone 17 Pro models will bring a big change to Face ID: Instead of using a camera notch at the top of the screen, the Face ID will be embedded under the phone’s screen.
While the selfie camera cutout would stay, moving the Face ID sensors under the screen would be a step towards getting rid of the notch entirely and having an all-screen front on a future iPhone model.
Processor and Chips
Each year, Apple introduces a new processor that powers the iPhone. Based on the past evolution of those chips, expect the iPhone 17 series to be built around the A19 processor.
Beyond that, HotHardware says that, like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 will include an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip that supports Wi-Fi 7, allowing the phone to use the 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz, and 6Ghz Wi-Fi bands at the same time.
Camera
Rumors suggest at least three key improvements to the iPhone 17 series cameras.
First, MacRumors shares talk about improved resolution to the telephoto camera on the back of the phone. According to them, the telephoto camera will move to 48 megapixels, up from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16. This improvement is expected only on the iPhone 17 Pro Max for now.
According to The Information, the rear cameras in the iPhone 17 Air/Slim might be moved to the top center.
Additionally, MacRumors also says to expect that the selfie camera on the front of iPhone 17 models will offer 24-megapixel resolution, up from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16.
Lastly, noted Apple analyst Kuo Ming-Chi suggests that the camera lenses on the iPhone 17 will be built using 6 elements, up from 5 on current models, which will improve image quality, especially in low-light situations.
New Colors
Leaker Sonny Dickson shared alleged photos of dummy models of the iPhone 17 on X. A new orange option might be available for the Pro models, while the iPhone 17 Air could be available in black, white, gold, and light blue. The base model is pictured in a light pink color.
AI
While there are no specific rumors yet about the use of AI in the iPhone 17, it’s an absolute certainty that the next version of iOS will feature lots of new AI tools as part of Apple Intelligence. What they are depends on how the rapidly changing AI field evolves, but count on some new artificial intelligence enhancements.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
Analyst Jeff Pu has shared details about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, suggesting that the base model will use the same A18 chip that powers the iPhone 16. This indicates that Apple may continue its trend of reserving its most advanced silicon (A19, this year) for the higher-end models.
Pu has also weighed in on the rumored ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air, claiming it will measure just 6mm thick (excluding the camera bump). According to 9to5Google, Pu has said, “We agreed with the recent chatter of a 6mm thickness ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model.” If true, the iPhone 17 Air will become the company’s thinnest smartphone, surpassing the 6.9mm iPhone 6.
91mobiles reports that the iPhone 17 might support the new Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard. This would offer faster speeds, up to 50W, plus better magnetic alignment and efficiency.
